Haiti: Armed gang members fire on protest in Port-au-Prince Aug. 26, killing at least seven people

Event

Gang members opened fire with machine guns on a group of approximately 100 demonstrators in the Canaan area of Port-au-Prince August 26; the activists, some carrying sticks and machetes, were with a Christian group denouncing gang-related violence in their neighborhood. At least seven people died, and several others were injured during the incident; the gang also kidnapped an unknown number of people from the crowd. The gang likely acted to quell opposition to their virtual control over the area. The Canaan area is dominated by a leader known as "Jeff" in alliance with the "5 Seconds" gang. Canaan lies near the National Highway 1, leading north of Port-au-Prince.

Authorities may deploy to the area to prevent further attacks in the short term. Locals may stage protests to denounce the perceived government's inaction to stem the violence. Further violence is possible in the coming weeks, especially as police presence in the area remains extremely limited.

Advice

Consider deferring travel to areas of Port-au-Prince where communal violence is known to occur frequently and gang activity is common. If such travel is unavoidable, exercise extreme caution. Refrain from traveling at night. Heed instructions issued by local authorities. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Avoid large demonstrations.