The suburbs of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, were engulfed in chaos early Wednesday as armed gangs launched fresh attacks, shattering the peace in once-tranquil communities.
Associated Press journalists on the ground witnessed the grim aftermath, with at least five bodies discovered in and around the affected areas, as gangs fortified entrances, blocking off access.
State Department’s Safety Commitment
Desperate residents reached out to local radio stations, pleading for assistance from Haiti’s understaffed and overwhelmed national police force. Among the targeted communities were Pétion-Ville, Meyotte, Diègue, and Métivier, highlighting the widespread reach of the violence.
In response to the escalating crisis, the US State Department announced the completion of its initial evacuation of American citizens from Port-au-Prince. Over 15 individuals were airlifted to neighboring Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with plans to facilitate the departure of more than 30 U.S. citizens daily via government-organized helicopter flights.
The State Department emphasized its commitment to monitoring the situation closely, tailoring evacuation efforts to meet the evolving needs of American citizens on the ground. This latest evacuation follows a similar operation on Sunday, where over 30 US citizens were rescued from the northern city of Cap-Haitien.
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Haiti Grapples with Widespread Unrest
The violent incident on Wednesday is a frightening continuation of the attacks that have occurred recently in affluent areas like Laboule and Thomassin, resulting in the deaths of at least twelve persons.
The unrest has prompted widespread closures of banks, schools, and businesses in Pétion-Ville, previously spared from the gang onslaught that began on February 29.
Haiti’s turmoil extends beyond mere violence; the country grapples with systemic challenges exacerbated by the recent chaos. Police stations have been torched, prisons stormed, and thousands of inmates set free. The toll is staggering, with scores dead and thousands displaced amidst the ongoing crisis.
Amidst the turmoil, hopes for stability rest on the formation of a transitional presidential council, tasked with appointing an interim prime minister and cabinet.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry, currently stranded outside Haiti due to airport closures, has pledged to resign once the council assumes power, offering a glimmer of hope for a beleaguered nation desperately in need of leadership.
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