URGENT UPDATE: U.S. Marines providing security for the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince were fired upon by suspected gang members in a dangerous encounter on November 13. The incident, reported by The Washington Post, escalated into a shootout as Marines returned fire to protect themselves and embassy personnel.
Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Steven Keenan confirmed the alarming exchange in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times on Saturday evening. “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.
This incident underscores the escalating violence in Haiti as gang activity continues to destabilize the region. As the situation develops, the U.S. State Department has been approached for more information, but no response has been received at this time.
The urgency of this incident is heightened by the ongoing security challenges in Haiti, where gang violence has surged, causing widespread fear among residents and foreign nationals alike. The safety of U.S. personnel is paramount, and incidents like this raise critical concerns about their security in volatile environments.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are on high alert. Residents of Port-au-Prince and international observers are urged to stay informed about developments regarding embassy security and the broader implications of gang violence in Haiti.
What happens next will be crucial as U.S. officials assess the risks and determine the necessary measures to ensure the safety of their personnel in the region. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
