Gangs in Haiti launched a series of attacks on several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, burning homes and engaging in gunfire with police for hours. The violence forced hundreds of residents to flee in one of the largest attacks since the announcement of Haiti’s new prime minister. The attacks began late Wednesday in neighborhoods such as Solino and Delmas, southwest of the main international airport. Residents described the gangs burning everything in sight, forcing them to flee with only the clothes on their backs.
The normally bustling neighborhoods were deserted shortly after sunrise, with a heavy silence broken only by occasional sounds of distress. Residents whose homes were spared in the attacks fled with their belongings, while others left empty-handed after losing everything in the violence. Gunshots were heard throughout the night, causing chaos and separating families as people scrambled to save themselves. The attacks were orchestrated by gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue, who has been blamed for a series of coordinated attacks in the capital since February.
The violence in Haiti has escalated in recent months, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry and the formation of a transitional presidential council. The council announced a new prime minister, Fritz Bélizaire, sparking further tensions and threatening to divide the already fragile leadership. The increased power and armament of the gangs have left Haitians feeling unsafe, with over 2,500 people killed or injured in the first three months of the year, a significant increase from the previous year. More than 90,000 people have fled Port-au-Prince as gangs target previously peaceful neighborhoods.
Amidst the chaos and violence, some residents are choosing to stay and resist the gangs. Vanessa Vieux, a resident of Delmas 18, decided not to flee despite the attacks. She sent her mother to safety but chose to stay in her home, expressing faith in the National Police. However, many others like Ernest Aubrey have been forced to leave after years of living in the neighborhood. The situation in Haiti remains dire, with gangs controlling large portions of the capital and targeting innocent civilians. The country’s leadership is facing scrutiny and pressure to address the ongoing crisis.
