Marines Forced Into Gunfight with Gang Members Outside U.S. Embassy in Haiti

U.S. Marines assigned to protect the American embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members in Port-au-Prince on Nov. 13, according to a statement released by a Marine spokesman.

The incident occurred as Marines were supporting routine embassy security operations in the Haitian capital.

U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group at the American Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members overnight on Thursday, in an incident that highlights the precarious security environment on the island nation, as the… pic.twitter.com/AZqzKjFFRR

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 15, 2025

Capt. Steven J. Keenan confirmed the exchange in an emailed statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday.

He said Marines came under fire from individuals believed to be associated with local gangs and responded immediately.

“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.

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The incident resulted in no Marine injuries.

The Washington Post first reported the exchange over the weekend.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The shooting took place against the backdrop of escalating violence throughout Haiti.

The United Nations has reported that armed groups control as much as 90 percent of Port-au-Prince.

These groups have blocked access roads, attacked key infrastructure, and targeted civilians with kidnappings, rapes, and killings.

The continuing instability has created challenges for local authorities as they attempt to maintain order and respond to the worsening conditions.

Haiti has not had an elected government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Since then, violence has expanded across the capital and surrounding regions.

The lack of a functioning government has made it more difficult for Haitian officials to respond to gang activity, which has continued to spread and increase in severity.

Marines on Embassy Duty in Haiti Exchanged Gunfire with Haitian gangs on 13 November 2025. pic.twitter.com/VtTSrQGjTW

— Kagan.Dunlap (@Kagan_M_Dunlap) November 16, 2025

According to the UN, a Gang Suppression Force of 5,550 personnel was scheduled to begin work in Haiti on Oct. 2.

The force is intended to support Haitian authorities in efforts to neutralize gangs, secure infrastructure, and improve humanitarian access.

The multinational mission was authorized by the UN Security Council and is designed to assist in addressing the widespread violence affecting the country.

The mission’s stated goal is to “protect vulnerable populations from escalating violence and prevent the displacement that inevitably causes.”

It has not yet been determined which countries will contribute personnel to the operation.

Funding for the effort is expected to come largely from voluntary contributions made by UN member states.

The timeline for full deployment and operational capability remains unclear as planning continues.

The United States has maintained a strong advisory presence for American citizens regarding security conditions in Haiti.

The State Department lists Haiti under a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning due to kidnapping risks, crime, civil unrest, and concerns over possible terrorist activity.

Nonemergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country in July 2023 because of ongoing security threats.

Haiti has remained under a state of emergency since March 2024 as authorities attempt to respond to gang activity and maintain stability.

The exchange of gunfire near the embassy highlights the continued volatility in Port-au-Prince and the challenges faced by U.S. personnel working in the region.

The incident marked another example of rising violence in the capital as armed groups continue to exert control across large portions of the city.