A US Marine Corps unit guarding the US embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was attacked by suspected gang members on 13/11, Captain Steven Keenan, a spokesperson for the US Marine Corps, announced on 15/11.

US Marines returned fire, and no soldiers were injured in the exchange. The cause of the shootout remains unknown, and US officials did not disclose any damage following the incident.

The US embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 8/2023. Photo: AFP

Captain Keenan stated that this was not the first attack on US personnel in Port-au-Prince this year, but it was the most serious. "We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all US embassies worldwide," the US Marine Corps spokesperson added.

The Pentagon recently increased security for the US embassy in Haiti as the country descends into chaos and gang violence. According to the United Nations, armed gangs control approximately 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

In 2023, the US Department of State ordered non-essential staff to leave the embassy in Port-au-Prince and advised citizens against traveling to Haiti. In a warning issued in 7/2023, the US Department of State reported numerous incidents of robbery, carjacking, sexual assault, and kidnapping in Haiti.

Nguyen Tien (According to AP, AFP, WP)