In a significant escalation of tensions in Haiti, United States officials have delivered a clear warning: any aggression towards U.S. embassy personnel or property will be met with force. This warning was demonstrated last Thursday when gunfire erupted near the U.S. embassy on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince.
“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 13 Nov.,” confirmed Capt Steven J. Keenan, a spokesman for the U.S. Marines, in an email to the Miami Herald. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the Marines.
This incident marks another episode in a series of attacks targeting the embassy, an area increasingly encircled by dominant armed groups, prompting a reduction in staff due to the heightened security threats.
Despite a temporary lull in violence in Port-au-Prince, gangs have continued to exert their influence over 90% of the capital. They have resumed kidnapping operations, demanding ransoms often exceeding $100,000 for the hostages’ release.
The latest clash between U.S. Marines and suspected gang members from the Viv Ansanm gang coalition coincided with intensified security operations. These operations aimed at dismantling the 400 Mawozo and Chen Mechan gangs, involved Haiti’s National Police, Armed Forces of Haiti, and a Kenyan-led security mission known as the Gang Suppression Force. Additional support was provided by a drone task force managed by private military contractors from Erik Prince’s firm.
Despite these efforts, gang activities persisted over the weekend. Members of the Viv Ansanm gang, designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization, were seen erecting roadblocks and burning barricades in Cité Militaire and Simon-Pelé.
In response, gang leaders have threatened a general shutdown. In a video, Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbecue,” urged citizens to remain indoors on Monday to avoid conflict, portraying himself as the spokesperson for Viv Ansanm. Similarly, another gang leader, “Krisla,” called for a widespread protest, accusing the government and elite of targeting citizens.
The ongoing security operations have placed considerable pressure on gang leaders. Over the weekend, the embassy vicinity was intermittently likened to a war zone, with personnel under shelter-in-place orders.
Alongside targeting 400 Mawozo, Viv Ansanm applied tactics to divert police resources. Reports indicated gangs were approaching the former U.S. embassy building, inaccessible due to gang dominance.
The operations resulted in significant seizures, including a high-powered Barrett M50 sniper rifle, six assault rifles, and three pistols from 400 Mawozo. An armored bulldozer used by the gang was also confiscated, according to Kenyan forces’ spokesman Jack Ombaka.
Haitian police reported that seven gang members were killed, and a helicopter providing air support was destroyed following an emergency landing under hostile conditions. “The elite unit on board was immediately secured and evacuated by ground units, who came under heavy gunfire from gangs during the extraction,” said Ombaka.
Gang-related disruptions continued on Sunday, with Viv Ansanm members establishing roadblocks and setting fires in key areas of Port-au-Prince.
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