According to reports, U.S. Marines tasked with protecting the American embassy in Haiti came under gunfire in the capital of Port-au-Prince last week by suspected gang members, firing back at the perpetrators.
On Sunday, in an emailed statement to Fox News Digital, Capt. Steven J. Keenan confirmed the incident and noted, “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.”
No service members were injured in the incident, which was first reported over the weekend by The Washington Post.
Neither the State Department nor the U.S. Embassy in Haiti immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The Caribbean nation has been plagued by gang violence, with armed groups reportedly controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations. The groups block access roads, attack infrastructure, and terrorize civilians through kidnappings, rapes and killings.
The gangs exert control through extortion and use heavy weaponry in their violent efforts.
While the United States continues to operate an embassy in Haiti, the State Department has issued numerous travel warnings because of the risk of kidnappings, crimes, terrorist activity, and civil unrest.
Hellbound and Down 