Gunfire erupted near the U.S. Embassy in Haiti’s capital last week, drawing immediate attention to the volatile situation in Port-au-Prince. The incident underscores the escalating dangers in a nation gripped by lawlessness.
A violent exchange unfolded on the evening of Nov. 13, when U.S. Marines tasked with protecting the American embassy were fired upon by suspected gang members, as reported by Fox News. The Marines returned fire in a swift response to the threat.
Thankfully, no service members were harmed in the clash, which was first brought to light by The Washington Post over the weekend. This incident highlights the precarious environment where our brave personnel operate daily.
Embassy Security Under Constant Threat
Capt. Steven J. Keenan, a Marine spokesman, emphasized the dedication of the forces involved, stating, "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." Such resolve is admirable, though it begs the question of how long we can sustain these heroics in a country spiraling out of control.
The State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Haiti have yet to offer public comment on the gunfire exchange. Their silence speaks volumes about the complexity of managing diplomacy in a place where bullets often outnumber words.
Haiti’s capital is a battleground, with armed gangs controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, according to United Nations estimates. These groups strangle access roads, destroy infrastructure, and prey on civilians through horrific acts of violence.
Gang Violence Strangles a Nation
The Caribbean nation has been in freefall since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, leaving no elected government to steer the ship. Without leadership, chaos has become the default setting.
Civilians bear the brunt, facing kidnappings, assaults, and killings as gangs tighten their grip. The U.N. reports that these armed factions terrorize with impunity, displacing countless families.
Protests in Port-au-Prince, often marked by burning tires and smoke-filled streets, reveal a desperate cry for government action. Yet, with no clear authority in place, such pleas seem to vanish into the haze.
International Efforts Face Uphill Battle
A glimmer of response emerged with the U.N. announcing a gang suppression force of 5,550 personnel, set to begin operations on Oct. 2 alongside Haitian authorities. The mission, authorized by the U.N. Security Council, aims to neutralize gangs and secure vital infrastructure.
The multinational effort also seeks to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further displacement, as a U.N. statement noted, "protect vulnerable populations from escalating violence and prevent the displacement that inevitably causes." Fine words, but without clear commitments on which nations will step up with troops, it’s hard to bank on results.
Funding for this force hinges on voluntary contributions from U.N. member states, a setup that often leaves critical missions under-resourced. Skepticism is warranted when global goodwill is the linchpin of such a dire operation.
Americans Warned to Stay Away
The State Department has slapped a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning on Haiti, citing extreme risks of kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. Nonemergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave in July 2023.
Since March 2024, Haiti has languished under a state of emergency, a status that seems more permanent than temporary. For Americans still there, including our Marines, every day is a roll of the dice against a backdrop of terror.
This latest clash near the embassy is a stark reminder of why we must rethink our approach to failed states like Haiti, where progressive ideals of nation-building often crash against harsh realities. Supporting our troops means questioning endless engagements in places where order is a distant dream and focusing on strategies that prioritize American safety first.
