U.S. Marines Exchange Gunfire with Suspected Gang Members at Embassy in Haiti

A state of emergency has remained in effect since March 2024, expanded to the entire country in September 2024 due to escalating violence.

HAITI — U.S. Marines stationed at the embassy in Port-au-Prince exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members on November 13. The incident occurred in the evening while the Marines supported security operations.

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Suspected gang members initiated fire, prompting the Marines to respond. No Marines sustained injuries during the exchange. The event unfolded amid ongoing clashes between Haitian police and gangs in the capital’s outskirts.

This confrontation highlights persistent security challenges in Haiti. Gangs control 85-90 percent of Port-au-Prince, displacing 1.3-1.4 million people according to U.N. assessments.

A state of emergency has remained in effect since March 2024, expanded to the entire country in September 2024 due to escalating violence. The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Haiti citing risks from kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited healthcare.

International efforts, including a U.N.-backed Multinational Security Support mission led by Kenyan police and transitioning to a Gang Suppression Force in October aim to combat the gangs but face criticism for being understaffed and underfunded.

In a concurrent operation from November 13 into November 14, Haitian National Police engaged gangs in the Croix-des-Bouquets area. The clash resulted in seven gang members killed. During the action, a helicopter experienced a suspected malfunction and made an emergency landing. Police destroyed the helicopter to prevent recovery by gangs. Officers involved emerged safe from the incident.

The area falls under control of the Viv Ansanm coalition, designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization in May 2025. This designation underscores the U.S. view of the group’s activities. Haitian authorities continue operations against such groups amid territorial advances by armed factions.

The police action demonstrates ongoing efforts to reclaim strategic areas. Clashes persist in neighborhoods surrounding the capital.

Incident Details