Armed Gangs Take Over Prisons, Thousands of Inmates Escape
In a shocking turn of events, a state of emergency has been declared in Haiti after armed gangs seized control of two prisons, resulting in the escape of thousands of inmates. The Caribbean nation is grappling with the aftermath of this unprecedented incident, as the government strives to restore order.
Chaos Unleashed
Over the weekend, armed gangs overran two prisons, including Haiti’s National Penitentiary in the capital city, Port-au-Prince. The violence that unfolded during the takeover led to the escape of nearly all 4,000 inmates from the already overcrowded penitentiary. Human Rights group r& ddh highlights that the facility, built for 700 people, has been holding thousands for years.
Nighttime Curfew and State of Emergency
In response to the crisis, authorities have implemented a nighttime curfew and declared a 72-hour state of emergency across the nation. The measures aim to regain control and establish a semblance of normalcy amidst the turmoil.
Prime Minister Seeks International Support
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henri, currently on a trip to Kenya, has called for international assistance. Specifically, he has requested support from a United Nations-backed security force. According to the UN, Haiti, with a population of 11 million, is relying on approximately 9,000 police officers to maintain order.
International Alert and Evacuation
The US Embassy in Haiti has issued a level 4 “do not travel” security alert, urging all American citizens in Haiti to depart as soon as possible. Furthermore, the embassy has cautioned others against traveling to the country in the current volatile situation. At least nine people have lost their lives in the unrest, with four of them believed to be police officers.
In the wake of this crisis, Haiti stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the repercussions of a massive prison break and armed gangs taking control. The international community watches closely as efforts are made to restore order and prevent further escalation.