State Department issues security alert amid ‘heavy gunfire’near US Embassy in Haiti

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The U.S.Embassy inPort-au-Prince, Haition Saturday alerted U.S.citizens of ongoing security operations north and south of the embassy and in Croix-de-Bouquets. 

Heavy gunfire was reported in the Haitian capital, prompting U.S.government personnel to halt all movements, according to an alert from the Department of State.

The embassy remains open for emergency services.

Officials urged nearby U.S.citizens to avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.

Police patrol in Haiti

Police patrol the streets of Port-au-Prince amid rampant gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.(Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol/File Photo)

UN STAFF IN HAITI TOLD TO STAY OFF STREETS AFTER GANG COALITION FLEXES MUSCLE, US MARINES FACE GUNFIRE

Armed gangscontrol large portions of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, according to the U.S.State Department and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). 

Croix-de-Bouquets, one of the areas referenced in Saturday’ssecurity alert, has long been considered a “400 Mawozo” gang stronghold.

“400 Mawozo” gang leader Joly Germine, 34, of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, was

Haiti-Violence

Police stop at a car to inspect in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

US MARINES EXCHANGED GUNFIRE WITH SUSPECTED GANG MEMBERS IN HAITI, OFFICIAL SAYS

The victims, withOhio-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”advisoryfor Haiti, citing kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care.

Demonstrators march through smoke-filled streets during protests over insecurity in Port-au-Prince.

Residents run past burning tires in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.(Clarens Siffroy/AFP via Getty Images)

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�s request for comment.

�s Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.

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