According to reports, U.S. Marines tasked with protecting the American embassy in Haiti came under gunfire in the capital of Port-au-Prince last week by suspected gang members, firing back at the perpetrators.
On Sunday, in an emailed statement to Fox News Digital, Capt. Steven J. Keenan confirmed the incident and noted, “U.S. Marines are committed to the safety and security of U.S. embassies worldwide and respond to all threats with professionalism and swift, disciplined action.”
No service members were injured in the incident, which was first reported over the weekend by The Washington Post.
Neither the State Department nor the U.S. Embassy in Haiti immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The Caribbean nation has been plagued by gang violence, with armed groups reportedly controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations. The groups block access roads, attack infrastructure, and terrorize civilians through kidnappings, rapes and killings.
The gangs exert control through extortion and use heavy weaponry in their violent efforts.
While the United States continues to operate an embassy in Haiti, the State Department has issued numerous travel warnings because of the risk of kidnappings, crimes, terrorist activity, and civil unrest.
Per the State Department’s updated advisory on July 25, 2025:
Reissued after the addition of the terrorism indicator.
Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Country Summary: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered nonemergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave the country due to security risks.
Haiti has been under a State of Emergency since March 2024. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason.
The State Department furth notes, “The U.S. government is very limited in its ability to help U.S. citizens in Haiti. Local police and first responders often do not have enough resources. This limits their ability to respond to emergencies or serious crimes. Shortages of gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies are common throughout the country. Public and private clinics, as well as hospitals, have untrained staff and lack basic resources. Medical providers almost always require upfront payment in cash.”
“U.S. government employees must follow a nightly curfew. Families of Embassy personnel are not allowed to accompany them on their assignment. Embassy personnel cannot travel by foot in Port-au-Prince. U.S. government employees working in Haiti must obtain special permission to travel outside the embassy compound due to security risks.”
They are also prohibited from using any kind of public transportation or taxis, visiting banks and using ATMs, driving at night, or traveling anywhere after dark.
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