U.S. Marines guarding the country's embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with gangs controlling most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to a report.
The Washington Post cited Capt. Steven Keenan, a Marine Corps spokesperson, who said in a statement that "Marines supporting embassy security operations were fired upon" and returned fire. None were injured.
He went on to note that while it is not the first time U.S. personnel in the city are targeted, this was the most significant incident. "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 added.
The incident took place as international forces in Haiti are ramping up their operations against gangs. The criminal organizations are retaliating and recently issued public threats.
Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier, perhaps the country's most prominent gang leader, said groups seek to "take to the streets" and advised people to stay indoors to "avoid becoming victims."
Another one known as "Krisla" called for a general strike and told people to "rise up en masse." He added that schools and government officers in Carrefour should stay closed on Monday, and only hospitals and the fire department should stay open.
"We are telling the Haitian people, the youth, we have to take our destiny in our hands," he added.
The Miami Herald detailed that the threats follow operations against the gangs that have sparked panic within their ranks. Members of Viv Ansanm, the largest gang in the country, exchanged fire with Marines guarding the U.S. embassy last week. The State Department added that security was not compromised.
In this context, a report by the UN noted that while gang attacks in Port-au-Prince have decreased, violence has intensified in farming communities and rural areas outside the capital.
Data from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti show that between July 1 and Sept. 30, at least 1,247 people were killed and 710 others were injured in gang-related incidents or in clashes involving self-defense groups, civilians, and security forces. The U.N. also recorded 145 kidnappings for ransom and 400 cases of sexual violence during that period.
"Sexual violence perpetrated by armed gangs remains at an alarming level," the U.N. said. "Most of these acts involve gang rapes, often committed during home invasions or while victims are moving through the streets. Such sexual violence, frequently used as a tool of exploitation or punishment, has devastating physical, psychological, economic, and social consequences for survivors and their families."
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