Haiti’s main airport under siege in wave of gang violence

Armed gangs launch a major assault on Haiti’s main airport amidst a widespread surge in violence, challenging the nation’s security infrastructure

Heavily armed gangs attacked Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport on Monday, clashing fiercely with police and soldiers.

This incident, the most significant attack on the airport in Haiti’s history, is part of a recent surge in violence targeting key government sites.

Authorities had closed the airport at the time of the attack, suspending all flights and evacuating passengers. This latest attack came just a week after minor incidents where gangs fired shots at the airport without breaching the facility.

This violent outbreak includes the shocking overrun of Haiti’s largest prisons – the National Penitentiary and Croix-des-Bouquets – by armed gangs over the weekend, resulting in the escape of thousands of inmates.

In response, the Haitian government declared a 72-hour state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew starting Sunday night.

Gangs are estimated to control about 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have intensified their assaults on state institutions.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is currently seeking support in Kenya for a United Nations-backed security force, faces a daunting challenge. Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, alias Barbecue, has openly claimed responsibility for the attacks, declaring their aim to capture Haitian government officials and block Henry’s return.

The U.N. has expressed deep concern over Haiti’s rapidly deteriorating security situation, underscoring the urgency for action and financial support for a security mission. Haiti’s National Police, with only about 9,000 officers for a population exceeding 11 million, struggle against these well-armed gangs.

The international community, particularly the U.S., is closely watching the crisis unfold. The U.S. Embassy has halted all official travel to Haiti and urged American citizens to leave the country as soon as possible. The Biden administration has pledged financial and logistical support for Haiti but has not committed troops to any multinational force.

Source: Newsroom