PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A recent incident involving a group of suspected Haitian gang members underscores the escalating security crisis in Haiti. This week, the gang members opened fire on American forces that are stationed to protect the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Capt. Steven J. Keenan, a spokesman for the U.S. Marines, confirmed that the incident took place on Thursday and noted that the Marines returned fire, with no injuries reported among American personnel. The exchange of fire highlights the dangerous conditions in Haiti, as gang violence continues to dominate the capital.

Haiti's security landscape has deteriorated dramatically, with gangs now exerting control over approximately 90% of the capital. These criminal organizations are engaged in rampant extortion of businesses and battles for territorial control, wielding heavy weaponry in their operations. The deteriorating security situation has prompted the U.S. State Department to issue multiple travel warnings, advising Americans against visiting Haiti due to the high risks of kidnappings, violent crimes, terrorist activities, and civil unrest.

The humanitarian impact of this violence is significant, with the United Nations reporting that more than 1.3 million Haitians have been displaced from their homes due to gang-related activities in recent years. The troubling trend follows the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, which created a power vacuum that has left the nation without effective leadership. The absence of elections to fill this power void has further complicated the political landscape in Haiti.

In response to the escalating violence, the United Nations Security Council voted in late September to establish a gang suppression force comprising about 5,500 troops. This force aims to combat the heavily armed criminal groups that have wreaked havoc in the nation. A smaller contingent of police officers from Kenya has been deployed to assist in restoring order; however, they have faced challenges in curbing the gangs' influence. The U.N. Human Rights Office reported that gang-related violence resulted in the deaths of 5,600 individuals last year alone, reflecting the severe consequences of the ongoing turmoil.

As Haiti grapples with these multifaceted crises, the security situation remains precarious. The continued presence of U.S. forces at the embassy illustrates the urgency of the situation, as both local and international entities seek solutions to restore stability and protect the rights and safety of the Haitian people.