January 29, 2026
The United States has confirmed the deployment of additional Marines to Port-au-Prince to secure its diplomatic mission and support the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the anti–organized crime task force, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince announced. The reinforcement, deployed at the request of the embassy itself, aims to ensure the continuity of consular and assistance operations, with the chancery specifying it will be open for emergency services on November 19.
This deployment comes after a reported confrontation between Marines assigned to protect the embassy and armed individuals identified as gang members who opened fire near the diplomatic zone. The Marines returned fire; no injuries among U.S. personnel have been reported, according to military spokespeople and several news agencies. The incident, which occurred on the evening of November 13, is described by authorities as the most serious involving American personnel this year.
For several months, the U.S. Embassy has adjusted its security posture: temporary closures, emergency-only services, and rotations of security detachments have been publicly announced. The additional Marine deployment fits into this logic of reinforced protection and coordination with Haitian and international forces on the ground.
The exchanges of gunfire around diplomatic zones increase risks for civilians and humanitarian personnel. Through its mission in Port-au-Prince, U.S. authorities reiterated their “full commitment to Haiti’s security” and described the reinforcement as support for local efforts to restore order. Nonetheless, the recent incidents highlight the gap between statements of support and the daily reality faced by the population.
