Gangs in Haiti have recently launched a series of violent attacks in several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, causing chaos and forcing hundreds of residents to flee the area. The attacks, which began late Wednesday night, involved burning homes and exchanging gunfire with the police for hours.
Residents described the terrifying scenes as gangs rampaged through neighborhoods such as Solino and Delmas 18, 20, and 24, located southwest of the main international airport. The violence has escalated to the point where the airport has been closed for nearly two months due to ongoing gang activities.
Witnesses reported that the gangs set fire to buildings and vehicles, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Many residents were forced to flee with only the clothes on their backs, as they watched their homes go up in flames.
The neighborhoods, once bustling with activity, turned into ghost towns as residents sought safety from the violence. The sound of gunfire echoed through the streets, causing panic and chaos among the population.
The attacks were carried out in an area controlled by a powerful gang leader known as Barbecue, who is part of a gang federation called G9 Family and Allies. This group has been implicated in previous coordinated attacks across the capital, including the burning of police stations and the release of thousands of inmates from prisons.
The ongoing gang violence has had a devastating impact on the residents of Port-au-Prince, with more than 2,500 people killed or injured in the first three months of this year alone. The situation has prompted a mass exodus from the city, with over 90,000 people fleeing in just one month.
Despite the challenges, some residents like Vanessa Vieux have chosen to stay and resist the gangs. Vieux, who lives next to a police officer, expressed confidence in the authorities' ability to maintain order.
As Haiti grapples with the escalating violence and political instability, the safety and security of its citizens remain a top priority. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging for swift and effective measures to address the root causes of the violence and restore peace to the troubled nation.
