Following public threats from a powerful gang leader, the United Nations and foreign embassies have advised their staff to avoid the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. These warnings come amid heightened security operations by Haitian security forces and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), authorized by the U.N. Security Council. Gang leader ‘Barbecue’ issued statements urging civilians to remain indoors, citing a potential major counter-offensive by his coalition, Viv Ansanm.
The GSF reported a successful operation against the 400 Mawozo gang, seizing multiple weapons, including an M50-caliber Barrett rifle, six assault rifles, and three pistols. The operation resulted in the deaths of several gang members, according to the GSF. U.S. Marines stationed at the American Embassy also exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members, with no injuries reported.
Viv Ansanm, a coalition of two major gang factions, was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. State Department in May. The group’s threat level has escalated following recent security operations that have disrupted its leadership and operations. The GSF stated that its efforts to restore peace and protect communities are ongoing, with intelligence-driven operations and security patrols continuing until criminal groups are defeated.