Gangs Terrorize Port-au-Prince With Deadly Attacks

Residents seek safety amid rising gang violence in Port-au-Prince
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Oct 18, 2024 11:41 AM CDT
Gangs Terrorize Port-au-Prince With Deadly Attacks
Soldiers patrol amid the sound of gunshots heard in the distance, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.   (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph)

Violent clashes erupted in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday as multiple gangs launched attacks across the city, notably in Solino, St. Michel, and the Tabarre 27 districts. The aggressors set fire to homes and a church amid a barrage of gunfire, resulting in at least one woman losing her life. Residents, gripped by panic, reached out to radio stations for help late Thursday night.

A local police union issued an urgent call for intervention on social media platform X, highlighting that multiple armed groups were primed for invasion. "Immediate action is required!" the statement said. A spokesperson from the National Police of Haiti was unreachable for comment. Due to the volatile circumstances, the swearing-in event for Haiti's provisional electoral council was relocated.

The motive behind the sudden rise in violence remains unclear. It follows recent efforts by Haitian and Kenyan police teams on a UN-endorsed mission to curb gang activities, underscored by their recent successful operation against the 400 Mawozo gang, which saw at least 20 suspected gang members neutralized around the Tabarre zone. However, with gangs exerting control over 80% of Port-au-Prince, areas like Solino are desperately striving to resist these coercive advances.

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The instability highlights the ongoing struggle for control in the capital, as communities continue to battle the pervasive influence of gangs, casting a shadow over efforts to restore order and peace in Haiti. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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