20 Aug 2018 | 06:22 PM UTC
Dominican Rep./Haiti: Seven wounded in border shootout near Belladere Aug. 18
Dominican soldiers engage smugglers in shootout August 18 near Belladere, leaving at least seven wounded; border crossing temporarily closed
Event
At least six Haitians and a Dominican soldier are reported to have been wounded in clashes between Dominican soldiers and Haitian villagers at a border checkpoint near Belladere (Centre department) on Saturday, August 18. The Dominican soldiers reportedly came under fire after stopping cement smugglers at the border. Civil unrest broke out in the Haitian town of Belladere after the soldiers responded with live fire.
Haitian President Jovenel Moïse criticized Dominican troops for violating Haiti's territorial integrity during the incident, an assertion denied by Dominican authorities. The border checkpoint was reportedly closed to commercial traffic on Sunday, August 19. It was unclear when the crossing will be reopened.
Advice
Potentially affected travelers are advised to follow all instructions issued by the authorities and avoid all protests due to the likelihood of violence.
The security environment in Haiti remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
