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Armed Gangs Launch New Attacks in Suburbs of Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Nearly three million people reside in the Port-au-Prince metro area.
Armed gangs unleashed fresh attacks in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince early Wednesday, plunging once-peaceful communities near the Haitian capital into chaos with heavy gunfire resonating across the area.
At least five bodies in and around the suburbs, with gangs blocking entrances to certain areas. Residents in the targeted communities urgently called radio stations for assistance from Haiti’s understaffed and outmatched national police force. Among the areas hit in the pre-dawn hours were Pétion-Ville, Meyotte, Diègue, and Métivier.
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One resident, Samuel Orelus, recounted encountering approximately 30 heavily armed men when attempting to leave for work, rendering the neighborhood powerless in the face of such an armed threat. By Wednesday afternoon, another casualty was reported: a police officer killed in broad daylight in the Delmas 72 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, as per the SYNAPOHA police union.
Amid the escalating violence, the U.S. State Department announced the completion of its first evacuation of American citizens from Port-au-Prince. Over 15 Americans were airlifted to neighboring Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with plans for more than 30 U.S. citizens to depart Port-au-Prince daily via U.S. government-organized helicopter flights.
The State Department reiterated its commitment to monitoring the demand for assistance from U.S. citizens in departing Haiti and expressed hope for the restoration of commercial travel options soon, in collaboration with international and Haitian authorities.
Furthermore, a plane chartered by the Florida Department of Emergency Management evacuated 14 Florida residents, including children, from Haiti, with plans for further evacuations despite bureaucratic hurdles and safety concerns.
Wednesday’s attacks followed a recent rampage by gangs through upscale neighborhoods in Pétion-Ville, resulting in at least a dozen fatalities and widespread disruption. The violence prompted closures of banks, schools, and businesses in Pétion-Ville, which had largely avoided the gang attacks until now.
Recent weeks have seen escalating violence in Haiti, including arson attacks on police stations, the closure of the main international airport, and prison breaks releasing over 4,000 inmates. The unrest has led to numerous casualties and displacement of thousands.
Meanwhile, amidst the turmoil, Haitians anticipate the formation of new leadership as regional officials move to establish a transitional presidential council tasked with appointing an interim prime minister and council of ministers. Notably, the Pitit Desalin party, initially hesitant, has accepted a seat on the council, completing its formation.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry, currently unable to return to Haiti due to airport closures, has indicated his intention to resign once the council is constituted.
