The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has issued a security alert following heavy gunfire in Port-au-Prince, urging American citizens to avoid the area.
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has issued an urgent security alert as heavy gunfire erupted in the capital. American citizens are being advised to steer clear of areas near the embassy.
On Saturday, the embassy notified U.S. citizens about ongoing security operations occurring both north and south of the embassy, as well as in Croix-de-Bouquets. The alert from the Department of State indicated that heavy gunfire was reported in the vicinity, prompting U.S. government personnel to suspend all movements.
Despite the unrest, the embassy remains open for emergency services. Officials are urging nearby U.S. citizens to avoid the area and to stay informed by monitoring local media for updates.
Armed gangs have been known to control significant portions of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, according to reports from both the U.S. State Department and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). Croix-de-Bouquets, mentioned in the recent security alert, has long been recognized as a stronghold for the “400 Mawozo” gang.
The leader of the “400 Mawozo” gang, Joly Germine, 34, from Croix-des-Bouquets, was sentenced to life in prison in December for his involvement in the 2021 kidnapping of 16 American citizens, including five children. These victims were affiliated with Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries and were abducted while returning from an orphanage, as reported by the Justice Department.
In light of the ongoing violence, the State Department has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Haiti. This advisory cites various concerns, including kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited healthcare availability.
The State Department has not yet responded to requests for additional comments regarding the current situation.
According to Fox News Digital, the situation remains fluid, and U.S. citizens in the area are urged to take precautions and stay vigilant.