Haiti: US embassy issues security alert for Laboule 12 area located south of Port-au-Prince, May 28

Event

The US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert May 28, noting incidents of kidnapping, gang activity, and police operations in the Laboule 12 area, located between Petionville and Kenscoff. The embassy has indicated that it has restricted the non-official travel of some of its US citizen staff to this area through May 31. The embassy did not provide further details.

Context

Levels of criminal activity are elevated throughout Haiti and are fueled by poverty, the poor economic situation, and the widespread prevalence of arms. Violent crime has become endemic and pervasive, particularly in Port-au-Prince. While most crime occurs between Haitian nationals, foreigners traveling in high-risk areas without adequate travel security protection are highly susceptible to criminal threats. The threat of kidnapping in Haiti is high; kidnappers are most likely to target locals. The most common types of abduction in Haiti include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom, express kidnapping, and virtual kidnapping. Foreign victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly; however, local victims may face the threat of injury or death during confinement. Kidnapping poses the greatest threat in Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien.

Advice

Consider deferring nonessential travel to, through, or near the impacted area in the coming days. Liaise with trusted contacts before conducting ground movements. Heed the directives of the authorities. Maintain regular contact with your diplomatic representation.