URGENT UPDATE: U.S. Marines providing security for the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, were fired upon by suspected gang members during a shootout on November 13. The incident, which unfolded in the capital city, has raised serious concerns about the safety of American personnel amid escalating gang violence in the region.
According to a statement from Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Steven Keenan, the Marines were engaged in security operations when they came under fire. “I can confirm that Marines supporting embassy security operations were fired upon by suspected gang members in Port-au-Prince and the Marines returned fire on the evening of November 13. No Marines were injured,” Keenan stated in an email to The Epoch Times.
This alarming confrontation highlights the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, where gang violence has surged in recent months. The U.S. State Department has been contacted for further information regarding the incident but had not responded by the time of publication.
The shootout marks a significant escalation in the risks faced by U.S. military personnel deployed in foreign operations, particularly in unstable regions like Haiti. As gang activity continues to disrupt daily life and threaten public safety, the implications for American diplomatic missions abroad are profound.
Authorities and international observers are closely monitoring the situation, as the safety of U.S. personnel is paramount. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed to those serving in high-risk areas, and it raises questions about future security measures that may need to be implemented.
As developments unfold, it is crucial for the public to stay informed about the safety of U.S. military and diplomatic personnel in Haiti. The situation remains dynamic, and any further engagements could escalate tensions in the region.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
