Haiti: Gang violence kills dozens, blocks access to Varreux Terminal in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince as of July 11

Event

Gang violence around Varreux Terminal in the Cite Soleil borough in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince continues to escalate as of July 11. Reports indicate that armed clashes between rival gangs near the terminal have killed between 20 and 50 people since late July 8. Violence has led to a complete halt in operations at the Varreux Terminal, one of the country's main ports, as no trucks have been able to gain access to the area. Further armed clashes between rival gangs are likely in Cite Soleil in the coming days.

Increased police operations are likely to take place in the area until criminal activity returns to normal levels and Varreux terminal is able to resume operations. Localized exchanges of gunfire, as well as transport and business disruptions, could occur with little-to-no warning during any operations that security forces may launch. Gang activity and violent attacks could target both security forces and civilians. Should terminal disruptions persist, shortages of commodities, including fuel, could happen nationwide. Delivery delays will probably persist once Varreux Terminal resumes normal operations as the backlog of goods is processed.

Advice

Exercise heightened personal vigilance until the situation stabilizes; keep away from areas known to be affected by recent increases in criminal activity and refrain from non-essential travel. Avoid areas where police or other security forces appear to be deploying. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Update and review contingency plans. Confirm all shipments through Varreux Terminal. Arrange alternative transport and re-route time-sensitive shipments as necessary. Plan accordingly for lingering shipping disruptions after normal port operations resume.