A recent clash between U.S. Marines and suspected gang members outside the American embassy in Port-au-Prince has highlighted the increasingly volatile situation in Haiti. Marines stationed to protect the embassy came under fire on November 13 and returned fire without sustaining injuries. Though details remain limited, the incident emphasizes the extreme danger posed by armed groups that now dominate much of the capital. It also illustrates the precarious conditions under which international personnel operate as Haiti’s security order continues to collapse.
Haiti’s crisis has intensified since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, which left the nation without an elected government and created a power vacuum that gangs quickly exploited. The United Nations estimates that up to 90% of Port-au-Prince is now controlled by these groups, which carry out kidnappings, killings, sexual violence, and blockades that cripple movement and access to essential services. Combined with political paralysis and severe economic hardship, the widespread violence has produced one of the Western Hemisphere’s most alarming humanitarian emergencies, leaving ordinary Haitians trapped in deteriorating conditions with little protection from the state.
In an effort to stabilize the country, the United Nations has authorized a 5,550-person multinational security mission designed to help dismantle gang networks, protect key infrastructure, and support humanitarian operations. Yet uncertainties persist regarding which nations will contribute forces, how quickly they can deploy, and whether voluntary funding will be adequate to sustain long-term action. Meanwhile, the United States maintains a cautious stance: issuing a “Do Not Travel” advisory, evacuating nonessential embassy personnel, and acknowledging that Haiti’s trajectory shows little sign of near-term improvement. The country has remained under a state of emergency since March 2024.
At the same time, U.S. defense policy is undergoing a broader strategic shift. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon—now renamed the Department of War—is moving to a “wartime footing” to better deter global adversaries. His agenda focuses on accelerating weapons development, cutting bureaucratic delays, and ensuring more operational systems reach the field rather than sitting idle due to maintenance and supply-chain issues. By prioritizing readiness and rapid modernization, U.S. leadership aims to strengthen its ability to respond to emerging threats—an approach that reflects both rising global tensions and the instability seen in regions like Haiti.
