Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Heavily armed gangs in Haiti tried to seize control of the main international airport on Monday, engaging in gun battles with police and soldiers in a violent outburst that also saw a mass escape from the country’s largest prisons. Following the airport assault, an armed gang also targeted Haiti’s police academy, where hundreds of cadets are trained and were able to repel the attackers with reinforcements. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport was closed during the attack, with no planes in operation and no passengers present. An armored truck on the tarmac fired at the gangs to prevent them from entering the airport grounds, as employees and workers fled amidst the gunfire.
The violence in Haiti escalated even further following a nighttime curfew imposed by authorities in response to the armed gang attacks that overran the two largest prisons in the country, resulting in the release of thousands of inmates. The United Nations expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Haiti and the intensified attacks on critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, the prime minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, has been notably absent as the country grapples with the outbreak of violence, traveling to various locations around the world without a set return date.
The surge in violence in Haiti has left thousands displaced and vulnerable, with armed gangs controlling much of the capital city. The National Police in Haiti, consisting of roughly 9,000 officers, struggle to maintain security for the population of over 11 million people. The recent increase in violent attacks has further strained the already fragile security situation in the country. As tensions continue to rise, concerns about the safety of judges, prosecutors, and other officials following the mass prison escapes are on the rise.
In the midst of the chaos, Haitian Americans find themselves caught in a precarious situation, with many unable to leave the island due to the escalating violence. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings advising Americans to stay put and exercise caution in Haiti. As the situation in the country worsens, calls for international assistance and support to restore order and prevent further chaos have intensified. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for decisive action to address the security crisis and protect the people of Haiti.