U.S. Embassy in Haiti Issues Security Alert Amid Heavy Gunfire in Port-au-Prince
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued an urgent security alert on February 1, 2026, following reports of heavy gunfire erupting near its premises and in surrounding neighborhoods. American citizens in the Haitian capital were advised to avoid areas close to the embassy and to remain vigilant as security operations continue amid escalating violence.
According to the U.S. Department of State, all U.S. government personnel have halted movements in and around the embassy due to the ongoing clashes. The embassy remains operational, providing emergency services while urging U.S. nationals to monitor local media for updates and avoid unnecessary travel.
The violence is centered in Port-au-Prince and the nearby area of Croix-des-Bouquets, a known stronghold of the “400 Mawozo” gang. This gang has long been a source of instability in the region, controlling large swaths of territory and engaging in criminal activities that have severely undermined security. The gang’s leader, Joly Germine, was sentenced to life imprisonment in December for his involvement in the 2021 abduction of 16 American citizens, including five children, underscoring the persistent threat posed by organized crime in Haiti.
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has reported that armed gangs continue to dominate many parts of Port-au-Prince and its environs, complicating efforts to restore law and order. The U.N. has advised its staff to remain off the streets as a coalition of gangs flexes its muscle, further exacerbating the security crisis.
In a recent development, U.S. Marines stationed in Haiti exchanged gunfire with armed elements, reflecting the dangerous environment confronting security forces. This incident highlights the volatility of the situation and the challenges faced by both Haitian authorities and international partners in stabilizing the capital.
The U.S. Embassy’s alert comes amid a broader context of deteriorating security conditions in Haiti, where political instability and gang violence have surged in recent years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other U.S. agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with Haitian law enforcement and international partners to protect American citizens and interests.
Residents of Port-au-Prince have witnessed increased police patrols attempting to contain the violence, but the pervasive influence of gangs complicates these efforts. The embassy’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the risks present in Haiti’s capital and the need for heightened caution.
As the situation develops, the U.S. government has reiterated its commitment to supporting Haiti through diplomatic and security channels, while urging Americans in the country to exercise extreme caution. The embassy’s alert is accessible on the Department of State’s official website, where updates will be posted as conditions evolve.
This latest outbreak of violence underscores the fragile security landscape in Haiti and the ongoing challenges faced by both the Haitian government and international community in promoting peace and stability in the region.
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