The Caribbean nation of Haiti has been thrown into chaos and violence after a mass prison escape and an attempt by heavily armed gangs to seize control of the country’s main airport. The situation has worsened over the past few days with reports of thousands of inmates escaping, gangs attacking public buildings, and the targeting of government officials.
Videos have emerged showing the terror of citizens as they flee from the sound of gunshots at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The airport, which has been closed due to the ongoing violence, was the scene of a fierce battle between gangs and authorities, with an armored truck attempting to prevent the gangs from entering the premises.
According to local newspaper Le Nouvelliste, flights at the airport have been suspended for several days due to the escalating violence. This latest incident marks the most significant attack on the airport in Haiti’s history.
The targeted attacks on the airport and other key government institutions are part of a coordinated effort by gangs to prevent Prime Minister Ariel Henry from returning to the country. The gangs, led by former police officer Jimmy Cherizier, have claimed responsibility for the recent surge in violence and have stated their goal to capture government officials and take control of the airport.
To quell the situation, the government has declared a state of emergency and ordered a night-time curfew for 72 hours. The authorities have also called upon the police to use all available means to apprehend the offenders. However, with gangs estimated to control up to 80% of the capital, the police are often overwhelmed and outgunned.
The recent events have sparked widespread fear and displacement among the Haitian people. More than 15,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in camps. Francisco Uribe, an inmate who remained in prison during the mass escape, pleaded for help and reported that the gangs were “massacring people indiscriminately” inside the cells.
This latest outbreak of violence comes at a time when the country was already facing numerous challenges, including political instability, poverty, and a surge in crime. The government had hoped to stabilize the country with the help of a United Nations-backed security force, but those plans have been put on hold as the violence escalates.
The United States, which has refused to commit troops to any multinational forces for Haiti, has expressed grave concern over the situation and has urged all American citizens to leave the country as soon as possible. The Biden administration has offered logistical and financial support but has not committed military intervention.
The country’s downward spiral into violence shows no signs of abating, with gangs coordinating their attacks and targeting vital institutions. The recent prison escape and attacks on the airport and other government buildings mark a new low in Haiti’s already fragile state. The country now faces the daunting task of restoring order and preventing further bloodshed.
