US Embassy in Port-au-Prince Targeted by Bandits

TABARRE, Haiti.— A shootout occurred Thursday evening near the U.S. Embassy, according to the Washington Post. The incident involved a detachment of U.S. Marines and armed individuals identified as members of criminal groups operating in the area. According to Steven Keenan, spokesperson for the Marine Corps, U.S. soldiers returned fire after being shot at by armed groups regularly attempting to extend their control towards the diplomatic zone. “U.S. Marines are committed to U.S. facilities worldwide and respond to any threat professionally, with swift and disciplined actions,” Captain Keenan stated, emphasizing that no soldier was injured during the confrontation. The Washington Post reported contacting the U.S. State Department for further details but has not yet received an official response. U.S. authorities, however, state that this is not the first time the Tabarre embassy has been targeted by gunfire from criminal groups. This exchange of fire occurs as Haitian law enforcement, supported by specialized units, conducts a sustained offensive against the 400 Mawozo gang, particularly active in the metropolitan area and around Tabarre. Haitian authorities seek to prevent bandits from taking control of strategic sectors, especially those housing diplomatic institutions and essential infrastructure. According to several security sources, the area remains tense, and attempts by armed groups to infiltrate Tabarre have multiplied in recent months, increasing risks for diplomatic missions located in the sector. No additional details have been provided on ongoing operations around the U.S. Embassy, nor on any potential additional security measures. However, the presence of U.S. Marines, already reinforced in recent years due to deteriorating security, suggests that patrols and defense arrangements will remain intensified. For now, neither Haitian nor U.S. authorities have commented on the potential impact of this incident on their joint operations, as Tabarre remains one of the main points of friction between law enforcement and armed groups. Source: WaPo cited by Luckson Saint-Ville Jean Mapou