The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, issued a warning on Saturday to American citizens, advising them of active security operations occurring both north and south of the embassy, as well as in the Croix-de-Bouquets area.
Reports of heavy gunfire in the Haitian capital led to U.S. government personnel suspending all movements, according to a statement from the Department of State.
Despite the unrest, the embassy remains operational for emergency services.
Officials have advised U.S. citizens in the vicinity to steer clear of the affected areas and to stay informed through local media sources.
The streets of Port-au-Prince are patrolled by police amid widespread gang violence, as shown in a file photo by Reuters photographer Ralph Tedy Erol.
The U.S. State Department and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) report that armed gangs have taken control of significant parts of Port-au-Prince and its neighboring regions.
Croix-de-Bouquets, one of the areas referenced in Saturday’s security alert, has long been considered a “400 Mawozo” gang stronghold.
“400 Mawozo” gang leader Joly Germine, 34, of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, was sentenced to life in prison in December for his role in the 2021 abduction of 16 American citizens, including five children, Fox News Digital previously reported.
Police stop at a car to inspect in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
The victims, with Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries, were on their way back from an orphanage when they were taken hostage, according to the Justice Department.
The State Department currently maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Haiti, citing kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care.
Residents run past burning tires in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Clarens Siffroy/AFP via Getty Images)
The State Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
