A sudden surge of gunfire erupted across Port-au-Prince, Haiti this weekend, forcing the U.S. Embassy to issue a stark warning to American citizens. Security operations are underway both north and south of the embassy, and within the volatile commune of Croix-de-Bouquets, triggering a complete halt to U.S. government personnel movement.
The Department of State’s alert confirmed heavy gunfire echoing through the capital, a grim reminder of the escalating control exerted by armed gangs. While the embassy remains open for emergency assistance, the situation underscores the increasingly precarious environment for those remaining in the country.
U.S. citizens in the vicinity have been urgently advised to avoid affected areas and closely monitor local news for critical updates. The unrest centers around territories dominated by powerful criminal organizations, including the notorious “400 Mawozo” gang.
Croix-de-Bouquets, specifically named in the security alert, has long served as a stronghold for “400 Mawozo.” Their reign of terror culminated in a brazen act two years ago: the kidnapping of sixteen American citizens, five of them children.
Those victims, affiliated with Christian Aid Ministries, were ambushed while returning from a visit to an orphanage. The harrowing ordeal ended with the recent life sentence handed down to the gang’s leader, Joly Germine, in December – a small victory in a landscape of widespread impunity.
The U.S. State Department currently designates Haiti with its highest level of travel advisory: “Do Not Travel.” This warning cites a confluence of extreme dangers, including rampant kidnapping, escalating crime, the threat of terrorist activity, persistent civil unrest, and severely limited access to healthcare.
The current situation paints a bleak picture of a nation struggling under the grip of gang violence and political instability. The escalating conflict continues to threaten the safety and security of both Haitian citizens and the dwindling number of foreign nationals still present in the country.
