Haiti's capital under siege: Gang chief threatens law enforcement and government leaders

In Port-au-Prince, rival gangs dominate large areas, disrupting essential supply routes to the country's other regions. The gang's activities have inflicted terror on the city's inhabitants, driving approximately 200,000 individuals to abandon their homes due to rampant killings, kidnappings, arson, and sexual assault.

Intense gunfire brought Haiti's capital to a standstill on Thursday when a prominent gang leader issued a warning of his intentions to apprehend the nation's police chief and government ministers.

According to CNN, in January, the United Nations described it as the most violent month in two years, with approximately 1,100 individuals either killed, wounded, or kidnapped.

Haiti's main international airport and its aircraft were subjected to gunfire, leading both international and domestic airlines to halt their operations. This violence also compelled schools, universities, and businesses to shut down. Sunrise Airways, among others, announced the suspension of all its flights.

A leading gang figure stated that various groups were coordinating to initiate assaults against state security personnel, aiming to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The offensive targeted several police stations, with two being set ablaze. Al-Jazeera reported that the Toussaint Louverture International Airport was also among the sites attacked.

According to CNN, waves of crime and violence began to sweep across Haiti following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021. More than 8,400 people were victims of such violence through last year, according to a report from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BIUH).

Haiti is currently facing a dual crisis encompassing both security and politics. In recent years, armed factions have taken over significant portions of the nation, inflicting harsh violence on the civilian population and hindering economic growth, reported Al-Jazeera.

Kenya and Haiti have signed an agreement through which the Haitian government will get the support of 1,000 Kenyan police officers. The deal was signed by CS Kithure Kindiki and the Haiti Security Minister at the State House.

Source: Al-Jazeera, CNN, The Guardian