Gangs in Haiti launched a series of violent attacks on several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, setting homes ablaze and engaging in gunfire with law enforcement for hours. The onslaught, occurring early Thursday, marked one of the most significant attacks since the announcement of Haiti’s new prime minister.
Commencing late Wednesday, the attacks targeted areas such as Solino and Delmas 18, 20, and 24, situated southwest of the main international airport, which has remained shuttered for nearly two months due to persistent gang violence.
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Witnesses described scenes of chaos and terror as gangs rampaged through the neighborhoods, leaving destruction in their wake. Residents fled their homes, clutching whatever belongings they could salvage. Streets, once bustling with activity, turned eerily silent, punctuated only by sporadic gunfire and the occasional bleating of a lone goat.
Among those affected, Paul Pierre recounted the harrowing ordeal of fleeing with his partner after their home was engulfed in flames, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Others, like Martineda, found themselves homeless after armed assailants torched their residences, forcing them to seek refuge elsewhere.
The attacks occurred in an area under the control of Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, a former elite police officer and leader of the powerful gang federation G9 Family and Allies. Chérizier and other gang leaders have been implicated in coordinated assaults that have rocked the capital in recent months, leading to widespread chaos and instability.
The violence underscores the ongoing security crisis facing Haiti, with rampant gang activity posing a grave threat to public safety. Despite the formation of a transitional presidential council and the appointment of a new prime minister, Fritz Bélizaire, tensions remain high as Haitians demand decisive action to combat the scourge of gang violence.
As the country grapples with its myriad challenges, including political turmoil and economic hardship, many Haitians find themselves displaced and disillusioned. Ernest Aubrey, a resident of Delmas 18, lamented the deteriorating situation, expressing his despair at the relentless onslaught of violence.
Amidst the chaos, some, like Vanessa Vieux, choose to remain defiant, refusing to cower in the face of adversity. While acknowledging the risks, she places her trust in Haiti’s National Police, determined to stand her ground against the forces of lawlessness.
As Haiti navigates this turbulent period in its history, the urgent need for stability and security has never been more apparent. With lives and livelihoods hanging in the balance, the fate of the nation hangs in the balance as it confronts the daunting challenges ahead.
