The United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince has issued an urgent security warning to American citizens following a sharp increase in kidnappings for ransom throughout Haiti’s capital, with criminals now impersonating police officers to carry out their abductions.
The embassy’s latest advisory specifically highlights the Delmas area as a zone of heightened concern, where assailants dressed as law enforcement have been targeting victims. The warning instructs Americans to limit all unnecessary travel, avoid traveling alone, and maintain communication with others regarding their movements and expected return times.
“Do not drive alone,” the notice stated plainly, underscoring the severity of the threat. Haiti remains under the State Department’s Level 4 advisory, the highest warning classification available, which recommends that Americans do not travel to the country under any circumstances.
This latest warning arrives amid ongoing conversations with Haiti’s transitional government. Leslie Voltaire, one of nine council members serving on Haiti’s temporary transitional council, confirmed that the body will soon be dissolved ahead of expected elections in the Caribbean nation. The political uncertainty has coincided with a deteriorating security situation that has drawn international concern.
The current advisory follows an earlier warning issued just weeks ago when the embassy notified American citizens of active security operations both north and south of the diplomatic compound, as well as in the Croix-des-Bouquets area. Heavy gunfire was reported throughout the capital during those incidents, prompting U.S. government personnel to halt all movements temporarily. Officials urged nearby American citizens to avoid affected areas and monitor local media for developing information.
The security situation in Haiti has become increasingly precarious in recent months. United Nations staff operating in the country have been instructed to remain off the streets after gang coalitions demonstrated their strength throughout the capital. During one incident, U.S. Marines stationed at the embassy compound faced gunfire, highlighting the direct threat to American personnel.
The kidnapping crisis represents a significant escalation in Haiti’s ongoing struggle with gang violence and lawlessness. Criminal organizations have grown increasingly bold, with the impersonation of police officers representing a particularly troubling development. This tactic undermines public trust in legitimate law enforcement and makes it difficult for citizens and visitors to distinguish between genuine authorities and criminals.
For Americans currently in Haiti, the embassy’s guidance is clear and unequivocal. Those who cannot leave immediately should exercise extreme caution, maintain constant awareness of their surroundings, and ensure that trusted contacts are informed of their whereabouts at all times. The recommendation against solo travel applies to all forms of transportation, particularly driving.
The State Department continues to monitor the situation closely, though officials have not provided a timeline for when conditions might improve sufficiently to lower the travel advisory level. For now, the message to Americans remains consistent: Haiti is not safe for travel, and those present in the country face significant and immediate risks.
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