The U.S. State Department issued a security alert Saturday after reports of heavy gunfire near the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, amid ongoing security operations in the area.
According to the alert, security activity was reported both north and south of the embassy, as well as in the Croix-de-Bouquets area. Due to the situation, U.S. government personnel were ordered to suspend all movements.
Despite the unrest, embassy officials said the facility remains open for emergency services. U.S. citizens in the vicinity were advised to avoid the affected areas and closely monitor local media for updates.
The alert comes as armed gangs continue to exert control over large portions of Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions, according to the State Department and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. Croix-de-Bouquets has long been considered a stronghold of the notorious “400 Mawozo” gang.
The group’s leader, Joly Germine, 34, was sentenced to life in prison in December for his role in the 2021 kidnapping of 16 American citizens, including five children. The victims, members of Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries, were abducted while returning from an orphanage, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
Haiti remains under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory issued by the State Department, citing risks including kidnapping, violent crime, civil unrest, terrorist activity, and limited access to healthcare.
The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
