Haiti: Port-au-Prince's International Airport closes following president assassination, July 7 /update 1

Event

Port-au-Prince's Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) has been closed until further notice and flights previously scheduled to land in the capital have been either canceled or redirected as of July 7. The Dominican Republic has also announced the closure of the land border with Haiti until further notice. These measures follow the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and the First Lady at their private residence in Pelerin 5, near Port-au-Prince, in the early hours of July 7. The identity of the assailants remains unclear.

The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a security alert, July 7, restricting direct-hire US citizen staff to the embassy compounds in Tabarre. The French government has issued a warning recommending its nationals stay at home.

A few protests with participants burning tires have been reported in Port-au-Prince. Additionally, a heavy presence of security forces has been reported around the Place de Saint Pierre on Route de Kenscoff, the road that leads up from the city Petion-Ville area to the Presidential residence.

A heightened security force presence will almost certainly persist in and around Port-au-Prince in the coming days. Violent protests are possible in the capital and, possibly, nationwide. The threat of violence at all public gatherings is elevated. Road travel and business operation disruptions are also likely near all protests or in response to the assassination. Additional temporary embassy closures are likely in the coming hours are also possible.

Advice

Monitor local developments and liaise closely with trusted contacts. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Avoid all protests, large public gatherings, and concentrations of security force personnel. Consider sheltering in place and avoiding all unnecessary travel, July 7. Reconfirm the status of road routes, flights, and the border crossing with the Dominican Republic before travel.