Looting follows protests in Haitian capital

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Looters pillaged burned and vandalized shops in Haiti's capital Sunday following two days of violent protests over the government's attempt to raise fuel prices.

Journalists have seen young men stripping shelves bare in some supermarkets that are charred from the protests. Several bodies lay among the debris scattered in the streets.

With the situation still chaotic, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince on Sunday warned U.S. citizens to shelter in place. It noted many flights were canceled and said, "The airport has limited food and water available."

"Telecommunications services, including Internet and phone lines, have been affected throughout Haiti," the Embassy added. "It may be difficult to reach people through normal communication methods."

Police Director-General Michel-Ange Gedeon ordered officers to crack down on what he calls "bandits who disturb the peace and security of the country."

A police officer looks on as a crowd enters the Delimart supermarket complex Sunday in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.Dieu Nalio Chery ~ Associated Press

At least three people were killed in protests Friday and police say the bodies of four people were found Sunday in the streets of the Delmas district, though they didn't say whether that is related to the protests.

The government Saturday scrapped plans to raise fuel prices to 38 percent to 51 percent.