American forces stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince found themselves in the crosshairs last week when suspected gang members opened fire on them. The Marines returned fire during the evening of November 13, according to a statement from Capt. Steven J. Keenan, a Marine spokesman.
No U.S. personnel were hurt in the exchange, which took place as the Marines carried out their routine security duties.
“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,” Keenan said.
This clash comes as no surprise given the grip armed gangs have on Haiti. Reports from the United Nations indicate that these groups now dominate up to 90% of the capital, blocking roads, destroying infrastructure, and preying on civilians through abductions, assaults, and murders. The country has lacked an elected government since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, leaving a power vacuum that has only fueled the mayhem.
In response to the escalating crisis, the UN Security Council authorized a multinational Gang Suppression Force of 5,550 personnel, which was slated to launch operations on October 2. The mission, funded mainly by voluntary contributions from member states, focuses on dismantling gangs, protecting key sites, and aiding humanitarian efforts. Yet questions linger about which nations will step up with troops and whether this force can truly reclaim control from the entrenched criminals.
The State Department maintains its highest travel advisory for Haiti—a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning—citing rampant kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. Nonessential U.S. government staff and their families were pulled out in July 2023, and the nation has remained under a state of emergency since March 2024.
Recent military movements in the Caribbean add another layer to the situation. U.S. forces, including bombers, Marines, and warships, have converged near Venezuela, signaling a broader push to stabilize the region amid threats from unstable neighbors. Some observers speculate that the gang violence in Haiti isn’t just random chaos but could stem from deeper influences, perhaps tied to cross-border smuggling networks or even external meddling that exploits the leadership void left by years of ineffective international aid.
Billions in U.S. taxpayer dollars have poured into Haiti over decades, yet the island remains mired in poverty and disorder. Critics argue that without accountable governance and a firm crackdown on corruption, such support often ends up lining the pockets of the wrong people, allowing gangs to thrive unchecked.
As President Trump ramps up efforts to secure American interests abroad, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the dangers facing our diplomats and military in lawless hotspots. The Marines’ quick response in Port-au-Prince demonstrates the resolve needed to protect U.S. assets, but restoring order in Haiti will demand more than isolated firefights—it requires cutting off the roots of the instability once and for all.
Haiti is totally corrupt. We sent them billions to reconstruct after their natural disasters and it’s still a stinking shithole. No more money for Haiti ever!