<p>Nearly 200 people in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;were killed in brutal weekend violence reportedly orchestrated against voodoo practitioners, with the government on Monday condemning a massacre of "unbearable cruelty."</p>

<p>The killings in the capital Port-au-Prince were overseen by a powerful gang leader convinced that his son's illness was caused by followers of the religion, according to civil organization the Committee for Peace and Development (CPD).</p>

<p>It was the latest act of extreme violence by powerful gangs that control most of the capital city in the impoverished Caribbean country mired for decades in political instability, natural disasters and other woes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He decided to cruelly punish all elderly people and voodoo practitioners who, in his imagination, would be capable of sending a bad spell on his son," a statement from the&nbsp;Haiti-based group said.</p>

<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the "horrific" violence, which his spokesman said left at least 184 people, including 127 elderly men and women, dead.</p>

<p>Calling the bloody episode an "act of barbarity, of unbearable cruelty," the office of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime said "this monstrous crime constitutes a direct attack on humanity."</p>

<p>Both the CPD and UN said that the killings took place in the capital's western coastal neighbourhood of Cite Soleil.</p>

<p>Reached by telephone by AFP, a resident confirmed the attacks and said that his 76-year-old father was among the victims.</p>

<p>"The bandits set fire to his body. The family cannot even organize a burial for him since we were unable to recover the body," he told AFP on condition of anonymity so as not to compromise the safety of other relatives.</p>

<p>"I also fear for their lives," he said. "I will try to get them out."</p>

<h2><strong>Taken to be 'executed'</strong></h2>

<p>"The gang's soldiers were responsible for identifying victims in their homes to take them to the chief's stronghold to be executed," the CPD said.</p>

<p>"Reliable sources within the community report that more than a hundred people were massacred, their bodies mutilated and burned in the street," it said.</p>

<p>One of the organization's leaders, Fritznel Pierre, told Radio Magik 9 in an interview that the number of casualties was not exhaustive, as the area was difficult to access.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj2qpCZkJ2KAxXd1jgGHZrQOBIQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massacre-ordered-by-gang-leader-in-haiti-claimed-over-100-lives-says-rights-group-782666" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/massacre-ordered-by-gang-leader-in-haiti-claimed-over-100-lives-says-rights-group-782666&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2qpCZkJ2KAxXd1jgGHZrQOBIQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Massacre ordered by gang leader in Haiti claimed over 100 lives, says rights group</a></strong></p>

<p>He reported that henchmen had hunted down old people and voodoo followers living in the Wharf Jeremie section of Cite Soleil between Friday evening and Saturday.</p>

<p>"Motorcycle taxi drivers who tried to flee with targeted people were also executed," he said.</p>

<p>Voodoo was brought to&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;by African slaves and is a mainstay of the country's culture. It was banned during French colonial rule and only recognized as an official religion by the Haitian government in 2003.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Haiti Summons French Ambassador Following Macron's "Morons" Remark About Its Leaders</strong></p>

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<p>While it incorporates elements of other religious beliefs, including Catholicism, voodoo has been historically attacked by other religions.</p>

<p>Haiti&nbsp;has suffered from decades of instability but the situation escalated in February when armed groups launched coordinated attacks in the capital to overthrow then-prime minister Ariel Henry.</p>

<p>Gangs now control 80 per cent of the city. Despite a Kenyan-led police support mission, backed by the United States and UN, violence has continued to soar.</p>

<p>The UN chief called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the weekend massacre and also reiterated calls for more international support to assist Haitian police in their battle against the gangs.</p>

<p>More than 700,000 people are internally displaced in&nbsp;Haiti, half of them children; added to this are 5,000 forced from their homes by the weekend massacre, said the International Organization for Migration.</p>

<p>The latest killings bring the death toll this year in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;to around 5,000 people, according to the United Nations.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Nearly 200 people in Haiti were killed in brutal weekend violence reportedly orchestrated against voodoo practitioners, with the government on Monday condemning a massacre of "unbearable cruelty.

Nearly 200 people in Haiti were killed in brutal weekend violence reportedly orchestrated against voodoo practitioners, with the government on Monday condemning a massacre of "unbearable cruelty." The killings in the capital Port-au-Prince were overseen by a powerful gang leader convinced that his son's illness was caused by followers of the religion, according to civil organization the Committee for Peace and Development (CPD). It was the latest act of extreme violence by powerful gangs that control most of the capital city in the impoverished Caribbean country mired for decades in political instability, natural disasters and other woes. "He decided to cruelly punish all elderly people and voodoo practitioners who, in his imagination, would be capable of sending a bad spell on his son," a statement from the Haiti-based group said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the "horrific" violence, which his spokesman said left at least 184 people, including 127 elderly men and women, dead. Calling the bloody episode an "act of barbarity, of unbearable cruelty," the office of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime said "this monstrous crime constitutes a direct attack on humanity." Both the CPD and UN said that the killings took place in the capital's western coastal neighbourhood of Cite Soleil. Reached by telephone by AFP, a resident confirmed the attacks and said that his 76-year-old father was among the victims. "The bandits set fire to his body. The family cannot even organize a burial for him since we were unable to recover the body," he told AFP on condition of anonymity so as not to compromise the safety of other relatives. "I also fear for their lives," he said. "I will try to get them out." Taken to be 'executed' "The gang's soldiers were responsible for identifying victims in their homes to take them to the chief's stronghold to be executed," the CPD said. "Reliable sources within the community report that more than a hundred people were massacred, their bodies mutilated and burned in the street," it said. One of the organization's leaders, Fritznel Pierre, told Radio Magik 9 in an interview that the number of casualties was not exhaustive, as the area was difficult to access. Also read: Massacre ordered by gang leader in Haiti claimed over 100 lives, says rights group He reported that henchmen had hunted down old people and voodoo followers living in the Wharf Jeremie section of Cite Soleil between Friday evening and Saturday. "Motorcycle taxi drivers who tried to flee with targeted people were also executed," he said. Voodoo was brought to Haiti by African slaves and is a mainstay of the country's culture. It was banned during French colonial rule and only recognized as an official religion by the Haitian government in 2003. Watch: Haiti Summons French Ambassador Following Macron's "Morons" Remark About Its Leaders × While it incorporates elements of other religious beliefs, including Catholicism, voodoo has been historically attacked by other religions. Haiti has suffered from decades of instability but the situation escalated in February when armed groups launched coordinated attacks in the capital to overthrow then-prime minister Ariel Henry. Gangs now control 80 per cent of the city. Despite a Kenyan-led police support mission, backed by the United States and UN, violence has continued to soar. The UN chief called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the weekend massacre and also reiterated calls for more international support to assist Haitian police in their battle against the gangs. More than 700,000 people are internally displaced in Haiti, half of them children; added to this are 5,000 forced from their homes by the weekend massacre, said the International Organization for Migration. The latest killings bring the death toll this year in Haiti to around 5,000 people, according to the United Nations. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Violence against voodoo community in Haiti: Nearly 200 dead in massacre

<p>Alix Didier Fils-Aime, a businessman, became Haiti's new Prime Minister on Monday (Nov 11), taking the reins in a nation rocked by lawlessness and political discord. His swearing-in coincided with a startling episode of violence—a Spirit Airlines passenger jet attempting to land in Port-au-Prince came under gunfire, forcing it to divert to the Dominican Republic.</p>

<h2><strong>“Lots of work to do”: New Haiti PM</strong></h2>

<p>“We have a transition with lots of work to do: the first essential job, which is a condition for success, is restoring security,” said Fils-Aime in his first remarks.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-women-begin-matga-movement-after-trumps-victory-fantasize-poisoning-men-775348">US women begin ‘MATGA’ movement after Trump’s victory, fantasise poisoning men</a></strong></p>

<p>His predecessor, Garry Conille, was appointed in May, but just five months into his term he was dismissed by the transitional council — a body thrust into power after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which left the country without a sitting parliament or leader — following an extended power struggle.</p>

<p>The new Haiti PM said he was aware of the nation's “difficult circumstances” and promised to put “all of my energy, my skills, and my patriotism at the service of the national cause.”</p>

<h2><strong>Drama in the skies</strong></h2>

<p>Fils-Aime's ascent to power comes as a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince was struck by gunfire on Monday.</p>

<p>While all passengers escaped unharm, a flight attendant sustained minor injuries.</p>

<p>The low-cost carrier said an inspection of Flight 951 revealed bullet damage. The images of bullet-riddled walls inside the cabin rapidly circulated online. While it reviews the security risks, Spirit Airlines has announced a pause of its flights to Haiti.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince has grounded all commercial flights in response to the shooting, according to the Miami Herald.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a class="WlydOe" data-sb="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/haitian-pm-garry-conille-narrowly-escapes-gang-attack-in-capital-port-au-prince-745398&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT2fHw5dWJAxWwRmwGHSdZHl8QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WEyyBzVNin6rla0X9Hkb4" data-ved="2ahUKEwiT2fHw5dWJAxWwRmwGHSdZHl8QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haitian-pm-garry-conille-narrowly-escapes-gang-attack-in-capital-port-au-prince-745398" jsname="YKoRaf">Haiti PM Garry Conille narrowly escapes gang attack in capital Port-au-Prince</a> </strong></p>

<p>American Airlines has also halted its flights from Miami to the Haitian capital until Thursday.</p>

<p>“Strongly” condemning the recent attack, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade group representing airlines, said there was an “urgent need for robust security measures to protect air operations.”</p>

<p>Amid soaring violence in the country, a recent United Nations report estimates that over 1,200 Haitians were killed in just three months (from July to September), with a growing wave of kidnappings and abuse directed at women and girls.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alix Didier Fils-Aime, a businessman, became Haiti's new Prime Minister on Monday (Nov 11), taking the reins in a nation rocked by lawlessness and political discord.

Alix Didier Fils-Aime, a businessman, became Haiti's new Prime Minister on Monday (Nov 11), taking the reins in a nation rocked by lawlessness and political discord. His swearing-in coincided with a startling episode of violence—a Spirit Airlines passenger jet attempting to land in Port-au-Prince came under gunfire, forcing it to divert to the Dominican Republic. “Lots of work to do”: New Haiti PM “We have a transition with lots of work to do: the first essential job, which is a condition for success, is restoring security,” said Fils-Aime in his first remarks. Also read | US women begin ‘MATGA’ movement after Trump’s victory, fantasise poisoning men His predecessor, Garry Conille, was appointed in May, but just five months into his term he was dismissed by the transitional council — a body thrust into power after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which left the country without a sitting parliament or leader — following an extended power struggle. The new Haiti PM said he was aware of the nation's “difficult circumstances” and promised to put “all of my energy, my skills, and my patriotism at the service of the national cause.” Drama in the skies Fils-Aime's ascent to power comes as a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince was struck by gunfire on Monday. While all passengers escaped unharm, a flight attendant sustained minor injuries. The low-cost carrier said an inspection of Flight 951 revealed bullet damage. The images of bullet-riddled walls inside the cabin rapidly circulated online. While it reviews the security risks, Spirit Airlines has announced a pause of its flights to Haiti. Meanwhile, the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince has grounded all commercial flights in response to the shooting, according to the Miami Herald. Also read | Haiti PM Garry Conille narrowly escapes gang attack in capital Port-au-Prince American Airlines has also halted its flights from Miami to the Haitian capital until Thursday. “Strongly” condemning the recent attack, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade group representing airlines, said there was an “urgent need for robust security measures to protect air operations.” Amid soaring violence in the country, a recent United Nations report estimates that over 1,200 Haitians were killed in just three months (from July to September), with a growing wave of kidnappings and abuse directed at women and girls. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti's new PM sworn in as passenger jet comes under fire in Port-au-Prince

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<p>The United States (US) will give Haiti&nbsp;nearly $110 million in security and police assistance, the news agency Reuters reported early Friday (June 21) citing a State Department official. The official said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the decision following more than 100 briefings to Congress by the State Department and that the Biden administration remained committed to working in "close consultation" with that body.</p>

<p>"The security situation in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;remains untenable due to violence perpetrated by violent gangs, and the people of&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;cannot wait," the official said. The funds for Haiti include&nbsp;$95 million for security mission support and $15 million for the&nbsp;Haitian National Police to counter gang violence.</p>

<h2><strong>Republicans slam Biden administration's decision</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement,&nbsp;Senator Jim Risch, the&nbsp;top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that the Biden administration's "choice to override the hold I had placed on US&nbsp;taxpayer funding for the ill-conceived&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;MSS (Multinational Security Support Mission) is extremely disappointing."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-former-pm-garry-conille-appointed-to-lead-transitional-government-726530">Haiti: Former PM Garry Conille appointed to lead transitional government</a></strong></p>

<p>Reuters reported that in March, Senator Risch and&nbsp;Representative Michael McCaul (the&nbsp;Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee) said&nbsp;they had put "holds" on funds to&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;because they needed "a lot more details" before approving them.</p>

<p>The State Department said at the time it was engaging with Congress to get approval for the funds where intensifying gang violence&nbsp;cut off food supplies and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.</p>

<p>Leaders of the foreign relations committees have approval power over&nbsp;money, but the administration can override their holds if it decides the&nbsp;situation is extreme enough to warrant going ahead.</p>

<p>Gang violence in Haiti surged in late February as former prime minister Ariel Henry left the Caribbean nation to seek to speed up a promised Kenyan-led deployment of security forces to help national police fight gangs.</p>

<p>As gangs attacked the national palace and&nbsp;thousands&nbsp; broke from prison, Henry was unable to return and pressured to resign. Three months later, a new government was formed but the Kenyan-led deployment has yet to land.</p>

<h2><strong>UN warns of impact of gang war displacements</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, the United Nations (UN) warned of&nbsp;catastrophic humanitarian consequences for the spiralling numbers of&nbsp;Haitians forced to flee their homes due to the gang war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Philippe Branchat, who heads the International Organization for Migration's (IOM)&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;arm, said, "The figures we see today are a direct consequence of years of spiralling violence,&nbsp;and its catastrophic humanitarian impact."</p>

<p>The latest country-wide assessment from the IOM said that almost&nbsp;&nbsp;580,000 people in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;are internally displaced,&nbsp;a 60 per cent&nbsp;increase from 360,000 just three months earlier.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States (US) will give Haiti nearly $110 million in security and police assistance, the news agency Reuters reported early Friday (June 21) citing a State Department official.

The United States (US) will give Haiti nearly $110 million in security and police assistance, the news agency Reuters reported early Friday (June 21) citing a State Department official. The official said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the decision following more than 100 briefings to Congress by the State Department and that the Biden administration remained committed to working in "close consultation" with that body. "The security situation in Haiti remains untenable due to violence perpetrated by violent gangs, and the people of Haiti cannot wait," the official said. The funds for Haiti include $95 million for security mission support and $15 million for the Haitian National Police to counter gang violence. Republicans slam Biden administration's decision In a statement, Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that the Biden administration's "choice to override the hold I had placed on US taxpayer funding for the ill-conceived Haiti MSS (Multinational Security Support Mission) is extremely disappointing." Also read | Haiti: Former PM Garry Conille appointed to lead transitional government Reuters reported that in March, Senator Risch and Representative Michael McCaul (the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee) said they had put "holds" on funds to Haiti because they needed "a lot more details" before approving them. The State Department said at the time it was engaging with Congress to get approval for the funds where intensifying gang violence cut off food supplies and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Leaders of the foreign relations committees have approval power over money, but the administration can override their holds if it decides the situation is extreme enough to warrant going ahead. Gang violence in Haiti surged in late February as former prime minister Ariel Henry left the Caribbean nation to seek to speed up a promised Kenyan-led deployment of security forces to help national police fight gangs. As gangs attacked the national palace and thousands broke from prison, Henry was unable to return and pressured to resign. Three months later, a new government was formed but the Kenyan-led deployment has yet to land. UN warns of impact of gang war displacements On Tuesday, the United Nations (UN) warned of catastrophic humanitarian consequences for the spiralling numbers of Haitians forced to flee their homes due to the gang war. Philippe Branchat, who heads the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Haiti arm, said, "The figures we see today are a direct consequence of years of spiralling violence, and its catastrophic humanitarian impact." The latest country-wide assessment from the IOM said that almost 580,000 people in Haiti are internally displaced, a 60 per cent increase from 360,000 just three months earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

United States to give Haiti nearly $110 million in security aid, says official

<p>Haiti&nbsp;government, on Friday (Apr 13) formalised the creation of a nine-member transitional presidential council, which will be tasked with choosing the country’s next prime minister and Cabinet, a long-awaited move amid the ongoing violence in the gang-ravaged Caribbean country.</p>

<h2><strong>Nine-member council established</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement about the formation of the council was in a decree published Friday in a Haitian government gazette.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the official state journal, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was expected to resign immediately after the council was formed, will remain in power till a new premier is chosen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A provision in the decree allows the current PM to make the “necessary arrangements” ahead of the new appointments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-declines-to-dismiss-gun-charges-against-president-joe-bidens-son-hunter-710700">US judge declines to dismiss gun charges against President Joe Biden's son Hunter</a></strong></p>

<p>Those chosen, according to the official state journal, would then “participate, in agreement with the prime minister, in the formation of an inclusive ministers’ cabinet.”</p>

<p>It will have&nbsp;seven voting members and two non-voting observers which will be tasked with choosing the new PM and an&nbsp;“impartial” electoral council, said the decree.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;council will have&nbsp;members from&nbsp;political parties or social sectors, while two non-voting seats have been reportedly represented by someone from Haiti’s civil society and its religious sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the decree does not name the council members or mention a timeline for installing the council and replacing the incumbent PM who said he would step down in a month&nbsp;once his successor was in place.</p>

<p>“The establishment of the...politically inclusive council signals the possibility of a new beginning for Haiti,” Caricom, a Caribbean trade bloc, who helped form the council, said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the council “will take the troubled country through elections to the restoration of the lapsed state institutions and constitutional government.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the first priority would be to “urgently address” the security situation in Port-au-Prince so that schools and businesses can reopen and people can travel freely and access basic supplies, said&nbsp;Caricom,</p>

<p>It also calls on the council to help speed up the deployment of international troops Henry requested in 2022 to aid police in mitigating the rise of gang violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The council, according to the decree, will be headquartered in the National Palace in downtown Port-au-Prince, which as per media reports has repeatedly come under fire in recent weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Situation in Haiti</strong></h2>

<p>Nearly 95,000 people have fled the metropolitan area of the capital Port-au-Prince in the last month as criminal gangs have cemented their control.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-backed-hezbollah-fires-dozens-of-missiles-towards-northern-israel-710671">Iran-backed Hezbollah fires dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel</a></strong></p>

<p>Local media reports, after the announcement, reported more gunfire in parts of the capital city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pierre Fritz Chenet, a police officer, was fatally shot while visiting relatives on the port side of the city, a police union spokesperson said, as per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 1,550 people have been killed across Haiti and more than 820 injured between January to March 22, according to the United Nations data.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Haiti government, on Friday (Apr 13) formalised the creation of a nine-member transitional presidential council, which will be tasked with choosing the country’s next prime minister and Cabinet, a long-awaited move amid the ongoing violence in the gang-ravaged Caribbean country.

Haiti government, on Friday (Apr 13) formalised the creation of a nine-member transitional presidential council, which will be tasked with choosing the country’s next prime minister and Cabinet, a long-awaited move amid the ongoing violence in the gang-ravaged Caribbean country. Nine-member council established The announcement about the formation of the council was in a decree published Friday in a Haitian government gazette. According to the official state journal, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was expected to resign immediately after the council was formed, will remain in power till a new premier is chosen. A provision in the decree allows the current PM to make the “necessary arrangements” ahead of the new appointments. Also Read | US judge declines to dismiss gun charges against President Joe Biden's son Hunter Those chosen, according to the official state journal, would then “participate, in agreement with the prime minister, in the formation of an inclusive ministers’ cabinet.” It will have seven voting members and two non-voting observers which will be tasked with choosing the new PM and an “impartial” electoral council, said the decree. The council will have members from political parties or social sectors, while two non-voting seats have been reportedly represented by someone from Haiti’s civil society and its religious sector. However, the decree does not name the council members or mention a timeline for installing the council and replacing the incumbent PM who said he would step down in a month once his successor was in place. “The establishment of the...politically inclusive council signals the possibility of a new beginning for Haiti,” Caricom, a Caribbean trade bloc, who helped form the council, said in a statement. It added that the council “will take the troubled country through elections to the restoration of the lapsed state institutions and constitutional government.” However, the first priority would be to “urgently address” the security situation in Port-au-Prince so that schools and businesses can reopen and people can travel freely and access basic supplies, said Caricom, It also calls on the council to help speed up the deployment of international troops Henry requested in 2022 to aid police in mitigating the rise of gang violence. The council, according to the decree, will be headquartered in the National Palace in downtown Port-au-Prince, which as per media reports has repeatedly come under fire in recent weeks. Situation in Haiti Nearly 95,000 people have fled the metropolitan area of the capital Port-au-Prince in the last month as criminal gangs have cemented their control. Also Read | Iran-backed Hezbollah fires dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel Local media reports, after the announcement, reported more gunfire in parts of the capital city. Pierre Fritz Chenet, a police officer, was fatally shot while visiting relatives on the port side of the city, a police union spokesperson said, as per Reuters. More than 1,550 people have been killed across Haiti and more than 820 injured between January to March 22, according to the United Nations data. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti establishes long-awaited transition council to choose new PM, leaders amid crisis

<p>As gang violence erupts amidst political turmoil in Haiti, India has initiated a critical operation to evacuate its nationals from the embattled nation. Codenamed Operation Indravati, twelve Indian nationals have been successfully evacuated to safety to neighbouring Dominican Republic.</p>

<p>"Fully committed to the security and well-being of our nationals abroad," &nbsp;EAM Jaishankar in a social media post said, underscoring India's unwavering dedication to safeguarding its citizens in challenging circumstances.</p>

<p>This commitment has been further demonstrated through the establishment of a dedicated control room by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), along with the issuance of emergency helpline numbers to provide assistance and support to those affected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>EAM also expressed gratitude for the support extended by the Dominican Republic in evacuation of its nationals. The operation, spearheaded by Indian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Ramu Abbagani on the ground aims to relocate Indians from Haiti to the neighbouring Dominican Republic. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Amidst the chaos and uncertainty gripping Haiti, the evacuated Indian citizens expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for their prompt response and unwavering support during this challenging period.</p>

<p>One evacuated Indian said, "very proud to be an Indian, holding Indian passport. Would like to thank, Indian embassy, very quick, and like to say thank to Indian Govt, Modi hai to Mumkin hai (If its Modi, it is possible)."</p>

<p>While another Indian said, "grateful to Government of India, great coordination by Indian embassy".</p>

<p>The urgency of the situation became apparent as reports emerged of gang violence escalating across Haiti, posing a grave threat to the safety of foreign nationals residing in the country.</p>

<p>With an estimated 80 Indians present in Haiti, the need for immediate evacuation measures became imperative.</p>


As gang violence erupts amidst political turmoil in Haiti, India has initiated a critical operation to evacuate its nationals from the embattled nation. Codenamed Operation Indravati, twelve Indian nationals have been successfully evacuated to safety to neighbouring Dominican Republic.

As gang violence erupts amidst political turmoil in Haiti, India has initiated a critical operation to evacuate its nationals from the embattled nation. Codenamed Operation Indravati, twelve Indian nationals have been successfully evacuated to safety to neighbouring Dominican Republic. "Fully committed to the security and well-being of our nationals abroad," EAM Jaishankar in a social media post said, underscoring India's unwavering dedication to safeguarding its citizens in challenging circumstances. This commitment has been further demonstrated through the establishment of a dedicated control room by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), along with the issuance of emergency helpline numbers to provide assistance and support to those affected. EAM also expressed gratitude for the support extended by the Dominican Republic in evacuation of its nationals. The operation, spearheaded by Indian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Ramu Abbagani on the ground aims to relocate Indians from Haiti to the neighbouring Dominican Republic. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty gripping Haiti, the evacuated Indian citizens expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for their prompt response and unwavering support during this challenging period. One evacuated Indian said, "very proud to be an Indian, holding Indian passport. Would like to thank, Indian embassy, very quick, and like to say thank to Indian Govt, Modi hai to Mumkin hai (If its Modi, it is possible)." While another Indian said, "grateful to Government of India, great coordination by Indian embassy". The urgency of the situation became apparent as reports emerged of gang violence escalating across Haiti, posing a grave threat to the safety of foreign nationals residing in the country. With an estimated 80 Indians present in Haiti, the need for immediate evacuation measures became imperative.

Operation Indravati: Evacuated citizens from Haiti extend heartfelt gratitude to govt for quick response

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<p>The first charter flight carrying American citizens fleeing violence-hit Haiti landed in Miami on Sunday (Mar 17). In a statement, US State Department officials said that more than 30 Americans were on the flight which landed at the Miami International Airport. The officials added that government officials in Miami were helping the evacuees to determine their next steps.</p>

<p>The State Department announced on Saturday that it would offer limited charter flights for American citizens from the less chaotic northern city of Cap-Haïtien. People boarding these flights must sign a promissory bill agreeing to reimburse the government.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-crisis-proposal-to-install-new-govt-rejected-by-some-political-parties-700066">Haiti crisis: Proposal to install new govt rejected by some political parties</a></strong></p>

<p>The main airport in Haiti's capital city Port-au-Prince remains closed since gang attacks started in the country in&nbsp;February.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'It's just terrible...'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to the American daily Miami Herald, evacuee Avlot Quessa said, "It’s just terrible ... The suffering, you can only imagine." Quessa, who lives in Boston, was in Haiti's Hinche last month for what was supposed to be a weeklong trip to visit his mother. However, he ended up staying for over 20 days.</p>

<p>“Haiti is my homeland and it’s very stressful to see the homeland going through this act of violence, destruction ... and they are our neighbours,” Quessa added.</p>

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<p>Sixty-nine-year-old Marie Lucie St. Fleur, another passenger on the flight, said she felt most at home in Haiti and was sad to see what her homeland was going through. “I don’t feel well at all. I would like to live in my country and I can’t,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tensions rise in Haiti</strong></h2>

<p>The news of Ariel Henry resigning as Haitian prime minister brought relative calm in the country as this was the biggest demand of the gangs. However, an interim government has not been appointed yet and attacks are being reported in the country again.</p>

<p>Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, who is leading the gang rebellion, said last week that Henry's resignation was just "the&nbsp;first step in the battle" for Haiti. Henry was supposed to step down on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His resignation is pending the appointment of an interim replacement chosen by a transition council. But, the members of the council are yet to be decided.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The first charter flight carrying American citizens fleeing violence-hit Haiti landed in Miami on Sunday (Mar 17). In a statement, US State Department officials said that more than 30 Americans were on the flight which landed at the Miami International Airport.

The first charter flight carrying American citizens fleeing violence-hit Haiti landed in Miami on Sunday (Mar 17). In a statement, US State Department officials said that more than 30 Americans were on the flight which landed at the Miami International Airport. The officials added that government officials in Miami were helping the evacuees to determine their next steps. The State Department announced on Saturday that it would offer limited charter flights for American citizens from the less chaotic northern city of Cap-Haïtien. People boarding these flights must sign a promissory bill agreeing to reimburse the government. Also read | Haiti crisis: Proposal to install new govt rejected by some political parties The main airport in Haiti's capital city Port-au-Prince remains closed since gang attacks started in the country in February. 'It's just terrible...' Speaking to the American daily Miami Herald, evacuee Avlot Quessa said, "It’s just terrible ... The suffering, you can only imagine." Quessa, who lives in Boston, was in Haiti's Hinche last month for what was supposed to be a weeklong trip to visit his mother. However, he ended up staying for over 20 days. “Haiti is my homeland and it’s very stressful to see the homeland going through this act of violence, destruction ... and they are our neighbours,” Quessa added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × Sixty-nine-year-old Marie Lucie St. Fleur, another passenger on the flight, said she felt most at home in Haiti and was sad to see what her homeland was going through. “I don’t feel well at all. I would like to live in my country and I can’t,” she said. Tensions rise in Haiti The news of Ariel Henry resigning as Haitian prime minister brought relative calm in the country as this was the biggest demand of the gangs. However, an interim government has not been appointed yet and attacks are being reported in the country again. Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, who is leading the gang rebellion, said last week that Henry's resignation was just "the first step in the battle" for Haiti. Henry was supposed to step down on Monday. His resignation is pending the appointment of an interim replacement chosen by a transition council. But, the members of the council are yet to be decided. (With inputs from agencies)

First charter flight carrying Americans fleeing violence-hit Haiti lands in Miami

<p>Haiti’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse as gang violence has left no hope for the treatment of victims. According to media reports, several hospitals were set on fire and doctors murdered by gang members, while medical supplies were also snapped.</p>

<p>As a result of this, Haiti now has only one operational public hospital in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Mackynzie Archer, a consultant advising leading medical NGOs in Haiti said, “The healthcare system in Port-au-Prince is basically nonexistent,” adding that the situation is deteriorating quickly.</p>

<h2><strong>US starts evacuating citizens</strong></h2>

<p>The spiralling violence has forced the US to start charter flights from Haiti to evacuate its citizens. A charter flight carrying dozens of US citizens from violence-hit Haiti landed in Miami Sunday (Mar 17), said State Department officials. The government-chartered flight carrying 30 US citizens landed at the Miami International Airport. This comes after the US embassy in Port-au-Prince earlier this month urged all Americans to leave the country amid spiralling gang violence.</p>

<p>"It's just terrible ... The suffering, you can only imagine," a passenger of the flight was quoted as saying by local media. "Haiti is my homeland and it's very stressful to see the homeland going through this act of violence, destruction ... and they are our neighbours," they added.</p>

<h2>Haiti’s main airport shut down</h2>

<p>The Port-au-Prince Airport has already been shut down due to ongoing gang attacks that have engulfed the nation in recent weeks, exacerbating the risk of famine.</p>

<p>Reports from government and aid agencies over the weekend highlight incidents of aid supply looting as the crisis deepens.</p>

<h2>USA’s response</h2>

<p>In response, the State Department announced on Saturday (Mar 16) that it would arrange limited charter flights for American citizens departing from the relatively calmer northern city of Cap-Haïtien.</p>

<p>However, officials cautioned that ground transportation to Cap-Haïtien could not be guaranteed, advising citizens to consider using the charter flights "only if you believe you can safely reach Cap-Haïtien airport".</p>

<p>"We encourage US&nbsp;citizens still in Haiti who seek to depart to contact the Department of State using the crisis intake form on our website if they have not already done so," the department said.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiU6pCvvv2EAxWvyqACHaquBn8QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-violence-us-announces-charter-flight-to-evacuate-americans-guatemala-honorary-consul-office-ransacked-701019" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-violence-us-announces-charter-flight-to-evacuate-americans-guatemala-honorary-consul-office-ransacked-701019&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiU6pCvvv2EAxWvyqACHaquBn8QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked</a></p>

<p>Amid the increasing violence, the US military last week said it was taking steps to reinforce security at the US embassy in Haiti.</p>

<h2>Hunger crisis in Haiti</h2>

<p>According to a report by the UN food agency, nearly 4 million people in Haiti are facing food insecurity and hunger due to a wide range of factors, primarily&nbsp;gang violence.</p>

<p>Watch:&nbsp;Haiti Gang Violence Escalates: Healthcare ransacked, doctors murdered</p>

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<p>A total of 360,000 people have been displaced in the country, and the number of people affected by hunger is likely to further increase to 1 million in the coming days.</p>

<p>Port-au-Prince has been turned into "a bubble" where gangs control the roads, the port and airport are closed and no one can get in or get out, said the UN agency.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Haiti’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse as gang violence has left no hope for the treatment of victims. According to media reports, several hospitals were set on fire and doctors murdered by gang members, while medical supplies were also snapped.

Haiti’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse as gang violence has left no hope for the treatment of victims. According to media reports, several hospitals were set on fire and doctors murdered by gang members, while medical supplies were also snapped. As a result of this, Haiti now has only one operational public hospital in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Mackynzie Archer, a consultant advising leading medical NGOs in Haiti said, “The healthcare system in Port-au-Prince is basically nonexistent,” adding that the situation is deteriorating quickly. US starts evacuating citizens The spiralling violence has forced the US to start charter flights from Haiti to evacuate its citizens. A charter flight carrying dozens of US citizens from violence-hit Haiti landed in Miami Sunday (Mar 17), said State Department officials. The government-chartered flight carrying 30 US citizens landed at the Miami International Airport. This comes after the US embassy in Port-au-Prince earlier this month urged all Americans to leave the country amid spiralling gang violence. "It's just terrible ... The suffering, you can only imagine," a passenger of the flight was quoted as saying by local media. "Haiti is my homeland and it's very stressful to see the homeland going through this act of violence, destruction ... and they are our neighbours," they added. Haiti’s main airport shut down The Port-au-Prince Airport has already been shut down due to ongoing gang attacks that have engulfed the nation in recent weeks, exacerbating the risk of famine. Reports from government and aid agencies over the weekend highlight incidents of aid supply looting as the crisis deepens. USA’s response In response, the State Department announced on Saturday (Mar 16) that it would arrange limited charter flights for American citizens departing from the relatively calmer northern city of Cap-Haïtien. However, officials cautioned that ground transportation to Cap-Haïtien could not be guaranteed, advising citizens to consider using the charter flights "only if you believe you can safely reach Cap-Haïtien airport". "We encourage US citizens still in Haiti who seek to depart to contact the Department of State using the crisis intake form on our website if they have not already done so," the department said. Also read: Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked Amid the increasing violence, the US military last week said it was taking steps to reinforce security at the US embassy in Haiti. Hunger crisis in Haiti According to a report by the UN food agency, nearly 4 million people in Haiti are facing food insecurity and hunger due to a wide range of factors, primarily gang violence. Watch: Haiti Gang Violence Escalates: Healthcare ransacked, doctors murdered × A total of 360,000 people have been displaced in the country, and the number of people affected by hunger is likely to further increase to 1 million in the coming days. Port-au-Prince has been turned into "a bubble" where gangs control the roads, the port and airport are closed and no one can get in or get out, said the UN agency. (With inputs from agencies)

With only one hospital operating, Haiti's healthcare system collapses amid raging gang violence

As Haiti's beleaguered security forces fight to keep criminal gangs from taking over the country, the United States is taking measures to prepare for a potential wave of maritime migration.

US prepares for potential influx of Haitian migrants as violence continues

<p>There is relative calm in violence-hit Haiti after Ariel Henry announced he would resign as the prime minister. After the announcement a&nbsp;proposal was put up to install a new government in the&nbsp;Caribbean nation. However, the plan&nbsp;appeared to be crumbling on Wednesday (Mar 13) as some political parties rejected the proposal to create a presidential council that would manage the transition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, former senator&nbsp;Jean Charles Moïse told reporters that he rejected the&nbsp;proposed council backed by the international community which would select an interim prime minister and a council of ministers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moïse insisted that a three-person presidential council he recently created with former rebel leader Guy Philippe and a Haitian judge should be implemented.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-weighs-using-guantanamo-bay-for-haitian-migrant-influx-699865">Biden administration weighs using Guantanamo Bay for Haitian migrant influx</a></strong></p>

<p>Philippe, who helped lead a successful revolt in 2004 against former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, said on Tuesday that no Haitian should&nbsp;accept any proposal from the international community.</p>

<p>He accused the community of being&nbsp;complicit with Haiti’s elite and corrupt politicians and urged citizens to take to the streets. Some other high-profile politicians who rejected the proposal included&nbsp;Himmler Rébu, a former colonel of the country's army.</p>

<p>Rébu is also the president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, a party that is part of a coalition awarded a spot on the transitional council. In a statement,&nbsp;Rébu said that his party preferred that a judge from the Supreme Court assume the reins of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Amid escalating violence in Haiti, PM resigns</strong></p>

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<p>The above developments come as Henry remains locked out of Haiti as gangs, who had been calling to overthrow his government, closed the country's airports. Henry is currently in&nbsp;Puerto Rico.</p>

<p>The latest gang attacks started on February 29 when Henry was in Kenya to push for a United Nations (UN)-backed deployment of a Kenyan police force. The deployment has been temporarily suspended.</p>

<p>Between February 27 and March 8, over 130 people were killed in Haiti, officials told the news agency, adding that&nbsp;40 gang members were killed between February 29&nbsp;and March 10.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There is relative calm in violence-hit Haiti after Ariel Henry announced he would resign as the prime minister. After the announcement a proposal was put up to install a new government in the Caribbean nation.

There is relative calm in violence-hit Haiti after Ariel Henry announced he would resign as the prime minister. After the announcement a proposal was put up to install a new government in the Caribbean nation. However, the plan appeared to be crumbling on Wednesday (Mar 13) as some political parties rejected the proposal to create a presidential council that would manage the transition. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, former senator Jean Charles Moïse told reporters that he rejected the proposed council backed by the international community which would select an interim prime minister and a council of ministers. Moïse insisted that a three-person presidential council he recently created with former rebel leader Guy Philippe and a Haitian judge should be implemented. Also read | Biden administration weighs using Guantanamo Bay for Haitian migrant influx Philippe, who helped lead a successful revolt in 2004 against former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, said on Tuesday that no Haitian should accept any proposal from the international community. He accused the community of being complicit with Haiti’s elite and corrupt politicians and urged citizens to take to the streets. Some other high-profile politicians who rejected the proposal included Himmler Rébu, a former colonel of the country's army. Rébu is also the president of the Grand Rally for the Evolution of Haiti, a party that is part of a coalition awarded a spot on the transitional council. In a statement, Rébu said that his party preferred that a judge from the Supreme Court assume the reins of power. Also watch | Amid escalating violence in Haiti, PM resigns × The above developments come as Henry remains locked out of Haiti as gangs, who had been calling to overthrow his government, closed the country's airports. Henry is currently in Puerto Rico. The latest gang attacks started on February 29 when Henry was in Kenya to push for a United Nations (UN)-backed deployment of a Kenyan police force. The deployment has been temporarily suspended. Between February 27 and March 8, over 130 people were killed in Haiti, officials told the news agency, adding that 40 gang members were killed between February 29 and March 10. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti crisis: Proposal to install new govt rejected by some political parties

Haiti's PM Ariel Henry tendered his resignation following an emergency meeting of regional nations and appealed for calm as the country descends into chaos.

Haitian PM Ariel Henry resigns amid escalating violence

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<p>The escalating violence in Haiti has led to shortages of food and water in the country. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Mar 9), the unrest has crippled Haiti's fragile economy and made it extremely difficult for many of the country's most vulnerable to feed themselves. The report said that the main port in the capital city of Port-au-Prince closed down stranding scores of containers full of food and medical supplies.</p>

<p>The closure comes at a time when the United Nations said that half of the country's over 11 million inhabitants don’t have enough to eat, and 1.4 million are starving. The report added that grocery stores in upscale parts of the capital remain stocked, but their goods are out of reach to most people.</p>

<h2><strong>Street vendors losing livelihoods due to violence</strong></h2>

<p>Street vendors in the country are losing their livelihoods and are unsure about how will they feed their families. Speaking to the Associated Press, Michel Jean, a street vendor, said, "I don’t know how long this is going to last. I’m hoping this crisis is over, and that people can go back to their regular life."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-jimmy-barbecue-cherizier-haiti-gang-boss-tells-pm-to-quit-or-face-civil-war-697516">Explained: Who is Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, Haiti gang boss who threatened civil war</a></strong></p>

<p>Another street vendor told the news agency that he worries that elderly people are dying in their homes, with some people unable to venture out for food and water because gangs control their neighbourhoods. The report said that as more and more people are left unemployed, street vendors are selling smaller amounts of essential goods.</p>

<p>Since the gang attacks started on February 29, scores of people have been killed and more than 15,000 have been forced from their homes. Gangs are calling for the overthrow of the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Henry arrived in Puerto Rico on Tuesday after he was unable to land in the Dominican Republic, which borders Haiti. On Thursday, the government extended a state of emergency amid mass lootings and attacks on police stations.</p>

<p>Schools, banks, and most government agencies remain closed.</p>

<p>On Friday&nbsp;Heavy gunfire was seen near Haiti’s national palace in&nbsp;Port-au-Prince. According to ABC News,&nbsp;gangs had launched a large-scale assault against multiple government buildings in or near downtown Port-au-Prince.</p>

<h2><strong>UN rights chief calls global community to help Haiti</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk called the international community for action to help Haiti. "I urge the international community to act swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti's further descent into chaos. Last weekend’s mass prison breakout has been described by Haitian officials as a lethal threat to national security. More than 4,500 inmates are now known to have escaped, among them prominent gang members as well as those arrested in connection with the assassination of late President Jovenel Moise," Turk said in a video statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Haiti crisis: Gangs overrun Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, will there be a coup?</strong></p>

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<p>"This situation is beyond untenable for the people of Haiti. Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 1,193 people were killed, and 692 others were injured in the gang violence," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The escalating violence in Haiti has led to shortages of food and water in the country. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Mar 9), the unrest has crippled Haiti's fragile economy and made it extremely difficult for many of the country's most vulnerable to feed themselves.

The escalating violence in Haiti has led to shortages of food and water in the country. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Mar 9), the unrest has crippled Haiti's fragile economy and made it extremely difficult for many of the country's most vulnerable to feed themselves. The report said that the main port in the capital city of Port-au-Prince closed down stranding scores of containers full of food and medical supplies. The closure comes at a time when the United Nations said that half of the country's over 11 million inhabitants don’t have enough to eat, and 1.4 million are starving. The report added that grocery stores in upscale parts of the capital remain stocked, but their goods are out of reach to most people. Street vendors losing livelihoods due to violence Street vendors in the country are losing their livelihoods and are unsure about how will they feed their families. Speaking to the Associated Press, Michel Jean, a street vendor, said, "I don’t know how long this is going to last. I’m hoping this crisis is over, and that people can go back to their regular life." Also read | Explained: Who is Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, Haiti gang boss who threatened civil war Another street vendor told the news agency that he worries that elderly people are dying in their homes, with some people unable to venture out for food and water because gangs control their neighbourhoods. The report said that as more and more people are left unemployed, street vendors are selling smaller amounts of essential goods. Since the gang attacks started on February 29, scores of people have been killed and more than 15,000 have been forced from their homes. Gangs are calling for the overthrow of the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Prime Minister Henry arrived in Puerto Rico on Tuesday after he was unable to land in the Dominican Republic, which borders Haiti. On Thursday, the government extended a state of emergency amid mass lootings and attacks on police stations. Schools, banks, and most government agencies remain closed. On Friday Heavy gunfire was seen near Haiti’s national palace in Port-au-Prince. According to ABC News, gangs had launched a large-scale assault against multiple government buildings in or near downtown Port-au-Prince. UN rights chief calls global community to help Haiti Earlier this week, United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk called the international community for action to help Haiti. "I urge the international community to act swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti's further descent into chaos. Last weekend’s mass prison breakout has been described by Haitian officials as a lethal threat to national security. More than 4,500 inmates are now known to have escaped, among them prominent gang members as well as those arrested in connection with the assassination of late President Jovenel Moise," Turk said in a video statement. Also watch | Haiti crisis: Gangs overrun Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, will there be a coup? × "This situation is beyond untenable for the people of Haiti. Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 1,193 people were killed, and 692 others were injured in the gang violence," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti violence: Ongoing unrest cripples economy, triggers food and water shortage

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<p>The United States (US) military said on Sunday (Mar 10) that it carried out an operation in violence-hit Haiti to airlift non-essential American embassy personnel from the country. In a statement, the military's Southern Command said, "This airlift of personnel into and out of the embassy is consistent with our standard practice for embassy security augmentation worldwide, and no Haitians were on board the military aircraft."</p>

<p>"Our embassy remains focussed on advancing US government efforts to support the Haitian people, including mobilising support for the Haitian National Police, expediting the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and accelerating a peaceful transition of power via free and fair elections," the statement added.</p>

<h2><strong>Blinken speaks with Kenyan president&nbsp;about crisis</strong></h2>

<p>The airlift comes as the US State Department said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto about the Haiti crisis on Saturday and the two leaders underscored their commitment to a multinational security mission to restore order.</p>

<p>"They underscored unwavering commitment to the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission to support the Haitian National Police in creating the security conditions necessary to conduct free and fair elections," a statement from the State Department said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-violence-escalating-unrest-leading-to-shortages-of-food-and-water-698323">Haiti violence: Ongoing unrest cripples economy, triggers food and water shortage</a></strong></p>

<p>Haiti entered a state of emergency last Sunday after fighting escalated. Armed gangs, who are behind the violence, are calling for the overthrow of the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Since the violence started on February 29, scores of people have been killed and more than 15,000 have been forced from their homes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The violence began as Prime Minister Henry was in Kenya seeking a deal for an international force to fight the gangs. Henry, who has been in Puerto Rico since Tuesday, held a telephone conversation with Blinken.</p>

<p>According to State Department official Brian Nichols, Blinken spoke with Henry about "the urgent need to accelerate the transition to a broader, more inclusive government."</p>

<h2><strong>State of emergency extended for another month</strong></h2>

<p>Henry has been unable to return to his country. On Thursday, his government announced that the state of emergency would be extended for another month. The state of emergency bans all public protests, day and night, and allows security forces to use "all legal means" at their disposal to enforce the curfew and apprehend those who break it, the government said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Haiti PM stranded in Puerto Rico as he tried to return home amidst gang violence</strong></p>

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<p>The United Nations (UN) has warned that the country's health system was "nearing collapse," with shortages of staff, equipment, beds, drugs and blood to treat patients with gunshot wounds.</p>


The United States (US) military said on Sunday (Mar 10) that it carried out an operation in violence-hit Haiti to airlift non-essential American embassy personnel from the country.

The United States (US) military said on Sunday (Mar 10) that it carried out an operation in violence-hit Haiti to airlift non-essential American embassy personnel from the country. In a statement, the military's Southern Command said, "This airlift of personnel into and out of the embassy is consistent with our standard practice for embassy security augmentation worldwide, and no Haitians were on board the military aircraft." "Our embassy remains focussed on advancing US government efforts to support the Haitian people, including mobilising support for the Haitian National Police, expediting the deployment of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, and accelerating a peaceful transition of power via free and fair elections," the statement added. Blinken speaks with Kenyan president about crisis The airlift comes as the US State Department said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto about the Haiti crisis on Saturday and the two leaders underscored their commitment to a multinational security mission to restore order. "They underscored unwavering commitment to the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission to support the Haitian National Police in creating the security conditions necessary to conduct free and fair elections," a statement from the State Department said. Also read | Haiti violence: Ongoing unrest cripples economy, triggers food and water shortage Haiti entered a state of emergency last Sunday after fighting escalated. Armed gangs, who are behind the violence, are calling for the overthrow of the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Since the violence started on February 29, scores of people have been killed and more than 15,000 have been forced from their homes. The violence began as Prime Minister Henry was in Kenya seeking a deal for an international force to fight the gangs. Henry, who has been in Puerto Rico since Tuesday, held a telephone conversation with Blinken. According to State Department official Brian Nichols, Blinken spoke with Henry about "the urgent need to accelerate the transition to a broader, more inclusive government." State of emergency extended for another month Henry has been unable to return to his country. On Thursday, his government announced that the state of emergency would be extended for another month. The state of emergency bans all public protests, day and night, and allows security forces to use "all legal means" at their disposal to enforce the curfew and apprehend those who break it, the government said. Also watch | Haiti PM stranded in Puerto Rico as he tried to return home amidst gang violence × The United Nations (UN) has warned that the country's health system was "nearing collapse," with shortages of staff, equipment, beds, drugs and blood to treat patients with gunshot wounds.

US military airlifts personnel from American embassy in violence-hit Haiti

<p>Amid the recent violence and deadly clashes between armed gangs and police in Haiti&nbsp;over the past week or so, the leader who heads an alliance of gangs, Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbeque,” asked temporarily exiled Prime Minister Ariel Henry to either quit or threatened to plunge the Caribbean country into a civil war.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Jimmy Chérizier?</strong></h2>

<p>Since Saturday (Mar 2), armed gang members have stormed Haiti’s largest prisons and released as many as 4,000 prisoners who have wreaked havoc in the capital Port-au-Prince and now control large swathes of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Who has answered to Haiti PM's call for international security support?</strong></p>

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<p>This was days after Chérizier, a former police officer turned gang leader who heads an alliance of gangs, called on criminal groups to unite and overthrow the PM. The 46-year-old gang leader was once an officer of the Haitian National Police force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his time as a police officer, Chérizier allegedly played a role in multiple massacres, including the one that led to the deaths of more than 70 people&nbsp;in 2018&nbsp;after over 400 homes in the capital’s La Saline neighbourhood were set ablaze, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 46-year-old is one of the five gang leaders who face sanctions by the UN and the United States. Chérizier, as per Reuters, is originally from the Delmas area of Port-au-Prince.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020, he brought together nine capital area gangs and created an alliance called, G9 Family and Allies, which is headed by him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-plunges-into-further-crisis-as-armed-gangs-rampage-through-capital-697175">Haiti plunges further into crisis as armed gangs rampage through capital</a></strong></p>

<p>The G9 alliance made international headlines after it took control of Haiti’s main fuel port following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise&nbsp;in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gang alliance essentially held the country hostage with this move which led to the halting of&nbsp;transport and hospitals losing their energy supplies. The blockade ended over a month later.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Threats of civil war and genocide</strong></h2>

<p>Henry, who assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president, was supposed to step down in February. However, when he did not, deadly protests seeking his ouster erupted in the country’s capital last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If Ariel Henry doesn’t resign, if the international community continues to support him, we’ll be heading straight for a civil war that will lead to genocide,” Chérizier told reporters in Port-au-Prince.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemonium-in-port-au-prince-international-connectivity-back-after-thousands-of-inmates-escape-haiti-prisons-696263">Haiti jailbreak: International connectivity back after almost 4,000 inmates escape prison</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, “Either Haiti becomes a paradise or a hell for all of us. It’s out of the question for a small group of rich people living in big hotels to decide the fate of people living in working-class neighbourhoods."</p>

<p>In early February, thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the unelected government of the incumbent PM and called on him to resign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was after the February 7 deadline when Henry had promised to step down. Notably, Haitian presidents are also traditionally sworn into office on this date.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2022, he signed a non-binding accord to step down by February 7, 2024, but has since insisted that security conditions must be re-established to hold free and fair elections.</p>

<p>“I think the time has arrived for all to put our heads together to save Haiti, to do things another way in our country,” Henry said on February 8 amid protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Henry said Haitians need peace, security, work and the ability to move freely around the country and pledged to hold general elections as soon as the country’s security issues are resolved.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in&nbsp;Haiti?</strong></h2>

<p>Over the last six days since the beginning of the fresh wave of violence in Haiti, thousands of inmates have escaped and armed gang members&nbsp;have laid siege to government sites in the capital, including two airports, police stations and a port.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Armed gangs also tried to take over the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, on Monday (Mar 4) and again on Tuesday (Mar 5), but it was not clear if they succeeded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Henry emerged in Puerto Rico, a US territory, on Tuesday following&nbsp;his brief disappearance after the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, refused permission for his plane to land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Santo Domingo, on Wednesday (Mar 6) clarified that officials from Washington and Port-au-Prince had informally requested Henry’s plane make an “indefinite stopover” in their territory, which they said would not be possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-gangs-try-to-seize-control-of-main-airport-in-port-au-prince-amid-new-attacks-on-govt-sites-696988">Haiti: Gangs try to seize control of main airport in Port-au-Prince amid new attacks on govt sites</a></strong></p>

<p>Dominican authorities also said they will help restore normalcy in Haiti but “it is imperative that any action taken does not compromise our national security".</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Washington has said, that while they would not pressure the incumbent Haitian PM to leave, they have asked him to quickly come up with some form of plan for transition to a democratic government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are not calling on him or pushing for him to resign, but we are urging him to expedite the transition,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters&nbsp;on Wednesday (Mar 6).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Humanitarian situation</strong></h2>

<p>The humanitarian situation in Haiti has been deteriorating long before the recent wave of violence. The number of people reported killed increased by more than 110 per cent in 2023 with at least 4,789 lives claimed, said the UN in a report released in January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN also reported indiscriminate killings and kidnappings being carried out by gang members as well as abuses, including routine rape, torture and arson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the beginning of this year, around 36,000 people have been displaced within the country, some 1,200 have been killed, and nearly 700 injured, according to the UN. &nbsp;</p>

<p>UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, on Wednesday, called for the “urgent deployment, with no further delay” of the planned security force, adding that “this situation is beyond untenable for the people of Haiti.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-at-least-five-killed-in-clashes-with-police-pm-breaks-silence-amid-violent-protests-688316">Haiti protests: At least five killed in clashes with police, PM breaks silence</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this week, Henry travelled to Kenya to salvage the proposed security mission in the country which would be led by that East African nation and backed by the UN.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic has strengthened its border and said it will not set up refugee camps for fleeing Haitians.</p>

<p>“Armed gangs forced us to leave our homes. They destroyed our houses, and we’re on the streets,” Nicolas, who is living in a camp, told Reuters, saying that sleeping in such cramped conditions makes him feel like an animal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Plan International, a rights group, said around 30 per cent to 50 per cent of gang members are estimated to be minors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Each passing day brings new deprivations and horrors to the people of Haiti,” said UNICEF chief Catherine Russell. She added, “The Haitian population is caught in the crossfire.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Amid the recent violence and deadly clashes between armed gangs and police in Haiti over the past week or so, the leader who heads an alliance of gangs, Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbeque,” asked temporarily exiled Prime Minister Ariel Henry to either quit or threatened to plunge the Caribbean country into a civil war.

Amid the recent violence and deadly clashes between armed gangs and police in Haiti over the past week or so, the leader who heads an alliance of gangs, Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbeque,” asked temporarily exiled Prime Minister Ariel Henry to either quit or threatened to plunge the Caribbean country into a civil war. Who is Jimmy Chérizier? Since Saturday (Mar 2), armed gang members have stormed Haiti’s largest prisons and released as many as 4,000 prisoners who have wreaked havoc in the capital Port-au-Prince and now control large swathes of the country. WATCH | Who has answered to Haiti PM's call for international security support? This was days after Chérizier, a former police officer turned gang leader who heads an alliance of gangs, called on criminal groups to unite and overthrow the PM. The 46-year-old gang leader was once an officer of the Haitian National Police force. During his time as a police officer, Chérizier allegedly played a role in multiple massacres, including the one that led to the deaths of more than 70 people in 2018 after over 400 homes in the capital’s La Saline neighbourhood were set ablaze, according to the United Nations. The 46-year-old is one of the five gang leaders who face sanctions by the UN and the United States. Chérizier, as per Reuters, is originally from the Delmas area of Port-au-Prince. In 2020, he brought together nine capital area gangs and created an alliance called, G9 Family and Allies, which is headed by him. Also Read | Haiti plunges further into crisis as armed gangs rampage through capital The G9 alliance made international headlines after it took control of Haiti’s main fuel port following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. The gang alliance essentially held the country hostage with this move which led to the halting of transport and hospitals losing their energy supplies. The blockade ended over a month later. Threats of civil war and genocide Henry, who assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president, was supposed to step down in February. However, when he did not, deadly protests seeking his ouster erupted in the country’s capital last month. “If Ariel Henry doesn’t resign, if the international community continues to support him, we’ll be heading straight for a civil war that will lead to genocide,” Chérizier told reporters in Port-au-Prince. Also Read | Haiti jailbreak: International connectivity back after almost 4,000 inmates escape prison He added, “Either Haiti becomes a paradise or a hell for all of us. It’s out of the question for a small group of rich people living in big hotels to decide the fate of people living in working-class neighbourhoods." In early February, thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the unelected government of the incumbent PM and called on him to resign. This was after the February 7 deadline when Henry had promised to step down. Notably, Haitian presidents are also traditionally sworn into office on this date. In December 2022, he signed a non-binding accord to step down by February 7, 2024, but has since insisted that security conditions must be re-established to hold free and fair elections. “I think the time has arrived for all to put our heads together to save Haiti, to do things another way in our country,” Henry said on February 8 amid protests. Henry said Haitians need peace, security, work and the ability to move freely around the country and pledged to hold general elections as soon as the country’s security issues are resolved. What is happening in Haiti? Over the last six days since the beginning of the fresh wave of violence in Haiti, thousands of inmates have escaped and armed gang members have laid siege to government sites in the capital, including two airports, police stations and a port. Armed gangs also tried to take over the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, on Monday (Mar 4) and again on Tuesday (Mar 5), but it was not clear if they succeeded. Meanwhile, Henry emerged in Puerto Rico, a US territory, on Tuesday following his brief disappearance after the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, refused permission for his plane to land. Santo Domingo, on Wednesday (Mar 6) clarified that officials from Washington and Port-au-Prince had informally requested Henry’s plane make an “indefinite stopover” in their territory, which they said would not be possible. Also Read | Haiti: Gangs try to seize control of main airport in Port-au-Prince amid new attacks on govt sites Dominican authorities also said they will help restore normalcy in Haiti but “it is imperative that any action taken does not compromise our national security". Meanwhile, Washington has said, that while they would not pressure the incumbent Haitian PM to leave, they have asked him to quickly come up with some form of plan for transition to a democratic government. “We are not calling on him or pushing for him to resign, but we are urging him to expedite the transition,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Wednesday (Mar 6). Humanitarian situation The humanitarian situation in Haiti has been deteriorating long before the recent wave of violence. The number of people reported killed increased by more than 110 per cent in 2023 with at least 4,789 lives claimed, said the UN in a report released in January. The UN also reported indiscriminate killings and kidnappings being carried out by gang members as well as abuses, including routine rape, torture and arson. Since the beginning of this year, around 36,000 people have been displaced within the country, some 1,200 have been killed, and nearly 700 injured, according to the UN. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, on Wednesday, called for the “urgent deployment, with no further delay” of the planned security force, adding that “this situation is beyond untenable for the people of Haiti.” Also Read | Haiti protests: At least five killed in clashes with police, PM breaks silence Earlier this week, Henry travelled to Kenya to salvage the proposed security mission in the country which would be led by that East African nation and backed by the UN. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic has strengthened its border and said it will not set up refugee camps for fleeing Haitians. “Armed gangs forced us to leave our homes. They destroyed our houses, and we’re on the streets,” Nicolas, who is living in a camp, told Reuters, saying that sleeping in such cramped conditions makes him feel like an animal. Plan International, a rights group, said around 30 per cent to 50 per cent of gang members are estimated to be minors. “Each passing day brings new deprivations and horrors to the people of Haiti,” said UNICEF chief Catherine Russell. She added, “The Haitian population is caught in the crossfire.” (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Who is Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier, Haiti gang boss who threatened civil war

<p>Armed gangs in Haiti have reportedly been trying to seize control of the country’s main international airport in the capital city of Port-au-Prince and even exchanged fire with soldiers deployed there amid the latest attack on key government buildings over the past week or so. A fresh wave of violence&nbsp;has gripped Haiti forcing more than 15,000 people to flee their homes amid an increasing sense of misery and lawlessness, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gangs try to seize control of airport</strong></h2>

<p>The Toussaint Louverture International Airport was closed when the attack occurred, reported the Associated Press, with no aircraft operating and no passengers in sight. Armoured trucks were seen on the tarmac shooting at gang members in a bid to stop them from entering the airport as employees and other workers fled.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Armed gunmen tried to seize control over Haiti International Airport</strong></p>

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<p>As of late Monday (Mar 4), it was not clear if the gang members succeeded in what is being called one of the biggest attacks in Haiti’s history involving the airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Monday’s attack was the second time that Haiti's international airport was targeted as it was briefly struck by bullets amid the ongoing gang violence&nbsp;last week, but gangs did not enter the airport nor seize control of it.</p>

<p>On Sunday (Mar 3), Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency in a bid to restore order and also imposed a curfew with immediate effect throughout the West territory for a “renewable period of seventy-two hours.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-declares-state-of-emergency-following-clashes-curfew-imposed-for-72-hours-696430">Haiti declares state of emergency following clashes, curfew imposed for 72 hours</a></strong></p>

<p>The attack on the airport also came hours after authorities in Haiti ordered a nighttime curfew following violence where armed gangs attacked and released thousands of inmates from the country’s two biggest prisons over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gang violence displaces&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Armed groups, on Saturday (Mar 2) evening stormed Haiti’s largest prison defying police forces days after Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue – a former police officer turned gang leader who heads an alliance of gangs – called on criminal groups to unite and overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry.</p>

<p>“Armed gangs forced us to leave our homes. They destroyed our houses, and we’re on the streets,” Nicolas, who is living in a camp, told Reuters, saying that sleeping in such cramped conditions makes him feel like an animal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, around a dozen people have reportedly been killed in the attack on the prisons. Meanwhile, embassies in Haiti have recalled their staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, strengthened its border and said it will not set up refugee camps for fleeing Haitians.</p>

<p>“I didn’t have time to take any of my things, not even my underwear,” Jasmine told Reuters, on Tuesday (Mar 5) at a shelter. “I didn’t know what to do.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemonium-in-port-au-prince-international-connectivity-back-after-thousands-of-inmates-escape-haiti-prisons-696263">Haiti jailbreak: International connectivity back after almost 4,000 inmates escape prison</a></strong></p>

<p>At least 15,000 people have been displaced due to the violence, according to the United Nations’ &nbsp;immigration office. Plan International, a rights group, said around 30 per cent to 50 per cent of gang members are estimated to be minors.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Where is the PM?</strong></h2>

<p>Henry, who assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president in 2021, was said to be in Kenya to salvage the proposed security mission. However, his current whereabouts are unknown and the expected date of his return to Haiti is unclear.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Armed gangs in Haiti have reportedly been trying to seize control of the country’s main international airport in the capital city of Port-au-Prince and even exchanged fire with soldiers deployed there amid the latest attack on key government buildings over the past week or so.

Armed gangs in Haiti have reportedly been trying to seize control of the country’s main international airport in the capital city of Port-au-Prince and even exchanged fire with soldiers deployed there amid the latest attack on key government buildings over the past week or so. A fresh wave of violence has gripped Haiti forcing more than 15,000 people to flee their homes amid an increasing sense of misery and lawlessness, reported Reuters. Gangs try to seize control of airport The Toussaint Louverture International Airport was closed when the attack occurred, reported the Associated Press, with no aircraft operating and no passengers in sight. Armoured trucks were seen on the tarmac shooting at gang members in a bid to stop them from entering the airport as employees and other workers fled. WATCH | Armed gunmen tried to seize control over Haiti International Airport As of late Monday (Mar 4), it was not clear if the gang members succeeded in what is being called one of the biggest attacks in Haiti’s history involving the airport. Monday’s attack was the second time that Haiti's international airport was targeted as it was briefly struck by bullets amid the ongoing gang violence last week, but gangs did not enter the airport nor seize control of it. On Sunday (Mar 3), Haiti’s government declared a state of emergency in a bid to restore order and also imposed a curfew with immediate effect throughout the West territory for a “renewable period of seventy-two hours.” Also Read | Haiti declares state of emergency following clashes, curfew imposed for 72 hours The attack on the airport also came hours after authorities in Haiti ordered a nighttime curfew following violence where armed gangs attacked and released thousands of inmates from the country’s two biggest prisons over the weekend. Gang violence displaces thousands Armed groups, on Saturday (Mar 2) evening stormed Haiti’s largest prison defying police forces days after Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue – a former police officer turned gang leader who heads an alliance of gangs – called on criminal groups to unite and overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry. “Armed gangs forced us to leave our homes. They destroyed our houses, and we’re on the streets,” Nicolas, who is living in a camp, told Reuters, saying that sleeping in such cramped conditions makes him feel like an animal. So far, around a dozen people have reportedly been killed in the attack on the prisons. Meanwhile, embassies in Haiti have recalled their staff. The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, strengthened its border and said it will not set up refugee camps for fleeing Haitians. “I didn’t have time to take any of my things, not even my underwear,” Jasmine told Reuters, on Tuesday (Mar 5) at a shelter. “I didn’t know what to do.” Also Read | Haiti jailbreak: International connectivity back after almost 4,000 inmates escape prison At least 15,000 people have been displaced due to the violence, according to the United Nations’ immigration office. Plan International, a rights group, said around 30 per cent to 50 per cent of gang members are estimated to be minors. Where is the PM? Henry, who assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president in 2021, was said to be in Kenya to salvage the proposed security mission. However, his current whereabouts are unknown and the expected date of his return to Haiti is unclear. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti: Gangs try to seize control of main airport in Port-au-Prince amid new attacks on govt sites

<p>Amid the deepening crisis in the Caribbean island nation of Haiti stoked by gang violence,&nbsp;Prime Minister Ariel Henry landed in Puerto Rico on Tuesday (March 5). But his return to Haiti remains uncertain.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-gangs-try-to-seize-control-of-main-airport-in-port-au-prince-amid-new-attacks-on-govt-sites-696988">Haiti: Gangs try to seize control of main airport in Port-au-Prince amid new attacks on govt sites</a></strong></p>

<h2>Haiti is in turmoil, so why was the PM in Kenya?</h2>

<p>The purpose of Prime Minister Henry's trip to Kenya was to finalise a deal for the establishment of a UN-backed multinational security force aimed at combating escalating gang violence in Haiti.</p>

<p>But the initiative triggered unrest, with a prominent gang leader demanding his resignation and urging him to stay away from the country.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, reports surfaced that the Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, initially denied authorisation for Henry's plane to land. Although unconfirmed by Dominican officials, Puerto Rico's governor's office later confirmed his arrival in the capital, San Juan, Reuters reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Why has Haiti declared a state of emergency?</strong></p>

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<p>Haiti plunged into a state of emergency on Sunday (March 3)&nbsp;following two major prison breaks.</p>

<p>Recent days have witnessed intense gunfire near airports.</p>

<p>The United Nations' immigration office reported over the weekend that the violence had displaced at least 15,000 people, with armed gangs forcing residents out of their homes. The situation has led to a surge in migration from the capital to Artibonite, traditionally Haiti's breadbasket farming region, which now faces food shortages due to the expanding conflict.</p>

<p>Against this backdrop, neighbouring countries have withdrawn embassy staff and advised their citizens to leave the region. The Dominican Republic, with a historically complex relationship with Haiti, has strengthened its border security and declared it will not establish refugee camps for fleeing Haitians.</p>

<h2><strong>Limited international support for Haiti</strong></h2>

<p>International support for Haiti has been limited, with the UN authorising a security mission last year whose&nbsp;deployment date remains uncertain.</p>

<p>As of late February, only five nations had formally pledged troops, with less than $11 million deposited into the fund.</p>

<p>The UN&nbsp;estimates that the conflict has displaced around 300,000 people, with gangs responsible for nearly 5,000 deaths and almost 2,500 kidnappings last year.</p>

<p>Some kidnappers have reportedly used videos of rape and torture to extort costly ransoms from victims' friends and families.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid the deepening crisis in the Caribbean island nation of Haiti stoked by gang violence, Prime Minister Ariel Henry landed in Puerto Rico on Tuesday (March 5).

Amid the deepening crisis in the Caribbean island nation of Haiti stoked by gang violence, Prime Minister Ariel Henry landed in Puerto Rico on Tuesday (March 5). But his return to Haiti remains uncertain. Also read | Haiti: Gangs try to seize control of main airport in Port-au-Prince amid new attacks on govt sites Haiti is in turmoil, so why was the PM in Kenya? The purpose of Prime Minister Henry's trip to Kenya was to finalise a deal for the establishment of a UN-backed multinational security force aimed at combating escalating gang violence in Haiti. But the initiative triggered unrest, with a prominent gang leader demanding his resignation and urging him to stay away from the country. Meanwhile, reports surfaced that the Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, initially denied authorisation for Henry's plane to land. Although unconfirmed by Dominican officials, Puerto Rico's governor's office later confirmed his arrival in the capital, San Juan, Reuters reported. Also watch | Why has Haiti declared a state of emergency? × Haiti plunged into a state of emergency on Sunday (March 3) following two major prison breaks. Recent days have witnessed intense gunfire near airports. The United Nations' immigration office reported over the weekend that the violence had displaced at least 15,000 people, with armed gangs forcing residents out of their homes. The situation has led to a surge in migration from the capital to Artibonite, traditionally Haiti's breadbasket farming region, which now faces food shortages due to the expanding conflict. Against this backdrop, neighbouring countries have withdrawn embassy staff and advised their citizens to leave the region. The Dominican Republic, with a historically complex relationship with Haiti, has strengthened its border security and declared it will not establish refugee camps for fleeing Haitians. Limited international support for Haiti International support for Haiti has been limited, with the UN authorising a security mission last year whose deployment date remains uncertain. As of late February, only five nations had formally pledged troops, with less than $11 million deposited into the fund. The UN estimates that the conflict has displaced around 300,000 people, with gangs responsible for nearly 5,000 deaths and almost 2,500 kidnappings last year. Some kidnappers have reportedly used videos of rape and torture to extort costly ransoms from victims' friends and families. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti plunges further into crisis as armed gangs rampage through capital

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<p>Haiti declared a state of emergency on Sunday (Mar&nbsp;3) following violent clashes in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Citing a government statement, a report by the news agency Reuters on Monday said that to restore order, the government has imposed curfew with immediate effect&nbsp;throughout the West territory for a "renewable period of seventy-two hours."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The curfew will apply between six in the evening and five in the morning from Sunday to Wednesday, the statement said. It added that law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers, health personnel and duly identified journalists would not be required to comply with the curfew.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Violence, damaged communications, prison breaks</strong></h2>

<p>The government's instructions came after a dramatic escalation of violence over the weekend&nbsp;paralysed parts of Port-au-Prince, damaged communications and led to two prison breaks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday night, armed groups attacked the country's largest prison. Reuters reported it was unclear how many inmates were on the run. However, sources close to the penitentiary said the numbers were overwhelming.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemonium-in-port-au-prince-international-connectivity-back-after-thousands-of-inmates-escape-haiti-prisons-696263">Haiti jailbreak: International connectivity back after almost 4,000 inmates escape prison</a></strong></p>

<p>An inmate, who chose to remain anonymous, told the news agency, "I'm the only one left in my cell. We were asleep when we heard the sound of bullets. The cell barriers are broken."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a prison worker said that 99 prisoners had opted to remain in their cells for fear of being killed in the crossfire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prison breaks came as gang leader Jimmy Cherizier called for criminal groups to unite and overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Cherizier, a former police officer, heads an alliance of gangs and faces sanctions from the United Nations (UN) and the United States (US).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, he warned locals to keep children from going to school to "avoid collateral damages" as violence surged in the prime minister's absence.</p>

<h2><strong>Nearly 15k people forced to flee homes</strong></h2>

<p>Following the violence, nearly 15,000 people were forced to flee their homes with 10 sites hosting internally displaced people&nbsp;over the weekend, the International Organization for Migration said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, Prime Minister Henry's office said it was "outraged by the acts of violence and terror orchestrated by armed bandits," and expressed condolences to victims' families, saying the government would continue to work to resolve the conflict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Haiti declared a state of emergency on Sunday (Mar 3) following violent clashes in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Citing a government statement, a report by the news agency Reuters on Monday said that to restore order, the government has imposed curfew with immediate effect throughout the West territory for a "renewable period of seventy-two hours.

Haiti declared a state of emergency on Sunday (Mar 3) following violent clashes in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Citing a government statement, a report by the news agency Reuters on Monday said that to restore order, the government has imposed curfew with immediate effect throughout the West territory for a "renewable period of seventy-two hours." The curfew will apply between six in the evening and five in the morning from Sunday to Wednesday, the statement said. It added that law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers, health personnel and duly identified journalists would not be required to comply with the curfew. Violence, damaged communications, prison breaks The government's instructions came after a dramatic escalation of violence over the weekend paralysed parts of Port-au-Prince, damaged communications and led to two prison breaks. On Saturday night, armed groups attacked the country's largest prison. Reuters reported it was unclear how many inmates were on the run. However, sources close to the penitentiary said the numbers were overwhelming. Also read | Haiti jailbreak: International connectivity back after almost 4,000 inmates escape prison An inmate, who chose to remain anonymous, told the news agency, "I'm the only one left in my cell. We were asleep when we heard the sound of bullets. The cell barriers are broken." Meanwhile, a prison worker said that 99 prisoners had opted to remain in their cells for fear of being killed in the crossfire. The prison breaks came as gang leader Jimmy Cherizier called for criminal groups to unite and overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Cherizier, a former police officer, heads an alliance of gangs and faces sanctions from the United Nations (UN) and the United States (US). Earlier this week, he warned locals to keep children from going to school to "avoid collateral damages" as violence surged in the prime minister's absence. Nearly 15k people forced to flee homes Following the violence, nearly 15,000 people were forced to flee their homes with 10 sites hosting internally displaced people over the weekend, the International Organization for Migration said. In a statement, Prime Minister Henry's office said it was "outraged by the acts of violence and terror orchestrated by armed bandits," and expressed condolences to victims' families, saying the government would continue to work to resolve the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti declares state of emergency following clashes, curfew imposed for 72 hours

<p>At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police. This comes as violent protests seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry have paralysed the country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Five agents of BSAP killed</strong></h2>

<p>Haiti has witnessed a fresh wave of violence since Monday (Feb 5) as thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the unelected government of the incumbent PM and called on him to resign.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Kenya: Mission to Haiti stalled yet again</strong></p>

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<p>On Wednesday, the police trade union, as per Reuters said five agents of Haiti’s Security Brigade for Protected Areas (BSAP), an armed environmental agency, were killed after a shootout with national police in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, three other members of the agency were arrested, said the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent clash follows days of protests across the country ahead of the February 7 deadline which Henry had promised to step down by, and on which Haitian presidents are traditionally sworn into office.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-un-flags-violence-as-531-die-in-gang-wars-in-2023-so-far-574337">Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far</a></strong></p>

<p>Haiti, since Monday, has been witnessing clashes between rival gangs, police and civilian vigilante groups leading to a devastating impact on the local residents who often face indiscriminate killings, rampant sexual violence, lootings, kidnaps for ransom and arson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police later used tear gas to disperse protesters, who set fire to car tyres.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Haiti&nbsp;PM urges calm</strong></h2>

<p>In his first statement since the violent protests broke out on Monday, Henry urged calm in a brief public address early Thursday (Feb 8). “I think the time has arrived for all to put our heads together to save Haiti, to do things another way in our country,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incumbent PM also urged Haitians not to look at the government or the country’s national police as their adversaries, adding that those who choose violence to take power are “not working in the interests of the Haitian people.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Henry said Haitians need peace, security, work and the ability to move freely around the country and pledged to hold general elections as soon as Haiti’s security issues are resolved.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-sounds-alarm-over-new-wave-of-extreme-violence-in-haiti-600-killed-in-april-590623">UN sounds alarm over 'new wave of extreme violence' in Haiti; 600 killed in April</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, the incumbent PM assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2022, he signed a non-binding accord to step down by February 7, 2024, but has since insisted that security conditions must be re-established to hold free and fair elections.</p>

<p>Henry had “not provided any solutions to our problems,” a protester, 40, who declined to give his name told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “The country is being held hostage by gangs. We can’t eat. We can’t send our children to school,” he added. “We can’t take it anymore.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police.

At least five armed agents of an environmental protection group that in recent years has evolved into a paramilitary body were killed after a shootout with national police in Haiti’s capital, on Wednesday (Feb 7), according to media reports that cited the police. This comes as violent protests seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry have paralysed the country. Five agents of BSAP killed Haiti has witnessed a fresh wave of violence since Monday (Feb 5) as thousands of Haitians took to the streets to protest the unelected government of the incumbent PM and called on him to resign. WATCH | Kenya: Mission to Haiti stalled yet again On Wednesday, the police trade union, as per Reuters said five agents of Haiti’s Security Brigade for Protected Areas (BSAP), an armed environmental agency, were killed after a shootout with national police in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Additionally, three other members of the agency were arrested, said the police. The recent clash follows days of protests across the country ahead of the February 7 deadline which Henry had promised to step down by, and on which Haitian presidents are traditionally sworn into office. ALSO READ | Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far Haiti, since Monday, has been witnessing clashes between rival gangs, police and civilian vigilante groups leading to a devastating impact on the local residents who often face indiscriminate killings, rampant sexual violence, lootings, kidnaps for ransom and arson. The police later used tear gas to disperse protesters, who set fire to car tyres. Haiti PM urges calm In his first statement since the violent protests broke out on Monday, Henry urged calm in a brief public address early Thursday (Feb 8). “I think the time has arrived for all to put our heads together to save Haiti, to do things another way in our country,” he said. The incumbent PM also urged Haitians not to look at the government or the country’s national police as their adversaries, adding that those who choose violence to take power are “not working in the interests of the Haitian people.” Henry said Haitians need peace, security, work and the ability to move freely around the country and pledged to hold general elections as soon as Haiti’s security issues are resolved. ALSO READ | UN sounds alarm over 'new wave of extreme violence' in Haiti; 600 killed in April Notably, the incumbent PM assumed power after the assassination of Haiti’s last president in 2021. In December 2022, he signed a non-binding accord to step down by February 7, 2024, but has since insisted that security conditions must be re-established to hold free and fair elections. Henry had “not provided any solutions to our problems,” a protester, 40, who declined to give his name told AFP. He added, “The country is being held hostage by gangs. We can’t eat. We can’t send our children to school,” he added. “We can’t take it anymore.” (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti protests: At least five killed in clashes with police, PM breaks silence

The Caribbean nation of Haiti has been ravaged by heavily-armed criminal gangs. United Nations estimates that 80% of Haitian capital, Port-Au-Prince, is now under the control of gangs. Word on the street though, is that all of Port-Au-Prince is veritably controlled by gangs. Killings, rapes and kidnappings have surged leading to a violent uprising by civilian vigilante groups. Since April, at least 264 suspected gang members have been killed by vigilante groups. The resulting humanitarian crisis has internally displaced 165,000 people. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Vigilante violence on the rise in Haiti

<p>As per the United Nations, last month, in Haiti, more than 600 people died in gang violence — around a 28 per cent spike from the number of deaths recorded last quarter. As per the UN, these deaths happened in areas where authorities lacked the capacity to protect civilians.</p>

<p>Speaking to the press, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk said: "Every report I get from Haiti underlines the scale of the suffering and rams home the message that Haitians need urgent support and they need it now."</p>

<p>He further reiterated his call for the international community to send a specialised force to help out Haiti police and authorities in their quest to restore peace.</p>

<p>"The government, with support from the international community, must do its utmost to comply with its obligation to provide people with regular and unimpeded access to clean water, food, health and shelter," he said.</p>

<p>UN's quarterly update for the months of January to March found that in the nation, violence was "becoming more extreme and more frequent (and) spreading relentlessly as gangs seek to extend their control".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-un-flags-violence-as-531-die-in-gang-wars-in-2023-so-far-574337">Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far</a></strong></p>

<p>Citing the report which was released on Tuesday (May 9th) the UN high commissioner's office said: "In the month of April alone, more than 600 people were killed in a new wave of extreme violence that hit several districts across the capital."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This follows the killing of at least 846 people in the first three months of 2023, in addition to 393 injured and 395 kidnapped during that period — a 28-per cent increase in violence on the previous quarter."</p>

<p>As per Turk's office, the areas that were previously considered safe were now affected.</p>

<p>Gangs are reportedly using snipers to "indiscriminately" shoot people in the streets and are also "firing into homes".</p>

<p>Furthermore, people were "being burned alive on public transport," but authorities do not have the "capacity to respond," forcing civilians to form vigilante groups to fight the gangs.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-over-dozen-suspected-gang-members-lynched-burned-alive-by-residents-585834">Haiti: Over dozen suspected gang members lynched, burned alive by residents</a></strong></p>

<p>This, as per AFP, has led to a rise in "mob killings and lynchings of alleged gang members". In April, at least 164 such murders were documented.</p>

<p>Volker Turk, who last week warned that Haiti is "dangling over an abyss" says that the vigilante killings "will only fuel the spiral of violence."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As per the United Nations, last month, in Haiti, more than 600 people died in gang violence — around a 28 per cent spike from the number of deaths recorded last quarter.

As per the United Nations, last month, in Haiti, more than 600 people died in gang violence — around a 28 per cent spike from the number of deaths recorded last quarter. As per the UN, these deaths happened in areas where authorities lacked the capacity to protect civilians. Speaking to the press, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk said: "Every report I get from Haiti underlines the scale of the suffering and rams home the message that Haitians need urgent support and they need it now." He further reiterated his call for the international community to send a specialised force to help out Haiti police and authorities in their quest to restore peace. "The government, with support from the international community, must do its utmost to comply with its obligation to provide people with regular and unimpeded access to clean water, food, health and shelter," he said. UN's quarterly update for the months of January to March found that in the nation, violence was "becoming more extreme and more frequent (and) spreading relentlessly as gangs seek to extend their control". Also read | Haiti: UN flags violence as 531 die in gang wars in 2023 so far Citing the report which was released on Tuesday (May 9th) the UN high commissioner's office said: "In the month of April alone, more than 600 people were killed in a new wave of extreme violence that hit several districts across the capital." "This follows the killing of at least 846 people in the first three months of 2023, in addition to 393 injured and 395 kidnapped during that period — a 28-per cent increase in violence on the previous quarter." As per Turk's office, the areas that were previously considered safe were now affected. Gangs are reportedly using snipers to "indiscriminately" shoot people in the streets and are also "firing into homes". Furthermore, people were "being burned alive on public transport," but authorities do not have the "capacity to respond," forcing civilians to form vigilante groups to fight the gangs. Also read | Haiti: Over dozen suspected gang members lynched, burned alive by residents This, as per AFP, has led to a rise in "mob killings and lynchings of alleged gang members". In April, at least 164 such murders were documented. Volker Turk, who last week warned that Haiti is "dangling over an abyss" says that the vigilante killings "will only fuel the spiral of violence." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN sounds alarm over 'new wave of extreme violence' in Haiti; 600 killed in April

13 suspected gang members were beaten to death and set on fire by a mob in Haiti on the 24th of April. It was the most horrific vigilante violence witnessed in the recent history of Haiti. Later the same day, six more gang members were allegedly killed by police and burnt by residents. Law and order situation has increasingly deteriorated in Port-au-Prince since the assassination of former president, Jovenel Moishe, in July 2021. United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, this past Monday, termed the security situation in Haiti comparable to countries at war. Mohammed Saleh gets you the details.

Vigilante violence snares lives of 13 gang members

<p>Residents in Haiti's capital city Port-au-Prince lynched and set fire to over a dozen suspected gang members on Monday (April 24), according to police and witnesses. In a statement, the police said that during a search of a minibus in which there were armed individuals, the police confiscated weapons and other equipment. In addition, more than a dozen individuals travelling in this vehicle were unfortunately lynched by members of the population," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency AFP on Tuesday, witnesses said that the violence in Port-au-Prince started before dawn when gang members burst into several residential areas of the capital, looting homes and attacking residents. Dozens of families left neighbourhoods with men, women, and children fleeing, carrying a few personal belongings in bags or bundles</p>

<p>Speaking to AFP, a resident of Turgeau said, "It was the sound of projectiles that woke us up this morning. It was 3:00 am, and the gangs invaded us. There were shots, shots."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-who-supplied-guns-in-haitian-president-moises-assassination-pleads-guilty-575483">Man who supplied guns for Haitian president Moise’s assassination pleads guilty</a></strong></p>

<p>Another resident told the news agency that the residents would defend themselves if the gangs invaded them, adding, "We will defend ourselves, we too have our own weapons, we have our machetes, we will take their weapons, we will not flee."</p>

<p>The police have not specified the exact number of suspected gang members killed in the violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United Nations warned on Monday that insecurity in Port-au-Prince has reached levels similar to countries at war. Earlier in the day, the UN released a report highlighting the surge in murders and kidnappings in Haiti.</p>

<p>The report said that armed gangs "continued to compete to expand their territorial control throughout the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, spreading to previously unaffected neighbourhoods."</p>

<p>"With the high number of fatalities and increasing areas under the control of armed gangs, insecurity in the capital has reached levels comparable to countries in armed conflict," the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the citizens of Haiti continued to suffer one of the worst human rights crises in decades and a major humanitarian emergency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Monday's lynching comes after days of confrontations between gang members and security agents. In recent months, the security situation in Haiti has deteriorated further with routine gun fights between the gangs and police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN further said in its report on Monday&nbsp;that clashes among gangs and with police became more violent and frequent, claiming many civilian lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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Residents in Haiti's capital city Port-au-Prince lynched and set fire to over a dozen suspected gang members on Monday (April 24), according to police and witnesses.

Residents in Haiti's capital city Port-au-Prince lynched and set fire to over a dozen suspected gang members on Monday (April 24), according to police and witnesses. In a statement, the police said that during a search of a minibus in which there were armed individuals, the police confiscated weapons and other equipment. In addition, more than a dozen individuals travelling in this vehicle were unfortunately lynched by members of the population," the statement added. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Tuesday, witnesses said that the violence in Port-au-Prince started before dawn when gang members burst into several residential areas of the capital, looting homes and attacking residents. Dozens of families left neighbourhoods with men, women, and children fleeing, carrying a few personal belongings in bags or bundles Speaking to AFP, a resident of Turgeau said, "It was the sound of projectiles that woke us up this morning. It was 3:00 am, and the gangs invaded us. There were shots, shots." ALSO READ | Man who supplied guns for Haitian president Moise’s assassination pleads guilty Another resident told the news agency that the residents would defend themselves if the gangs invaded them, adding, "We will defend ourselves, we too have our own weapons, we have our machetes, we will take their weapons, we will not flee." The police have not specified the exact number of suspected gang members killed in the violence. The United Nations warned on Monday that insecurity in Port-au-Prince has reached levels similar to countries at war. Earlier in the day, the UN released a report highlighting the surge in murders and kidnappings in Haiti. The report said that armed gangs "continued to compete to expand their territorial control throughout the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, spreading to previously unaffected neighbourhoods." "With the high number of fatalities and increasing areas under the control of armed gangs, insecurity in the capital has reached levels comparable to countries in armed conflict," the report said. It added that the citizens of Haiti continued to suffer one of the worst human rights crises in decades and a major humanitarian emergency. Monday's lynching comes after days of confrontations between gang members and security agents. In recent months, the security situation in Haiti has deteriorated further with routine gun fights between the gangs and police. The UN further said in its report on Monday that clashes among gangs and with police became more violent and frequent, claiming many civilian lives. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Haiti: Over dozen suspected gang members lynched, burned alive by residents

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