Another day, another deluge of bad and disturbing news coming out of Haiti.
After the weekend, when nearly 5,000 prisoners – many dangerous criminals – were released in large-scale mass attacks on the country's two largest prisons, the explosive unrest continued unabated with similar attacks on Haiti's main international airport and police academy.
In both locations, armed gang members exchanged gunfire with police and soldiers.
CBS News reported:
Toussaint Louverture International Airport was closed when the attack occurred, and there were no planes operating and no passengers at the site. Associated Press journalists saw an armored truck on the runway firing at the gangs to try to prevent them from entering the airport grounds while dozens of other employees and workers fled from the whizzing bullets. .
Lionel Lazar of the Haitian police union said the attack on the police academy, where more than 800 cadets are training, was repelled on Tuesday after reinforcements arrived.
These latest attacks occurred just hours after authorities in Haiti ordered a nightly curfew and a 72-hour state of emergency.
The government pledged to track down the escaped prisoners, some of whom are accused of murder, kidnapping and other crimes.
“The police have been ordered to use all legal means at their disposal to enforce the curfew and arrest all violators,” said a statement issued by Finance Minister Patrick Boivert, acting prime minister.
The “leader” is absent in this difficult hour.
Henry is also silent as he travels the world with no announced date for his return.
Haiti's National Police is routinely overwhelmed and outnumbered, with only 9,000 officers protecting more than 11 million people.
Now, active gangs are likely to be strengthened with the release of nearly 5,000 prisoners during the prison attacks.
The office said late Monday it was deeply concerned about the safety of judges, prosecutors, victims, lawyers and others after the mass escape. She added that she “regrets and condemns the policy of indifference” shown by government officials amid the attacks.
The US State Department urged Americans and State Department employees to remain where they are and exercise caution while on the island.
Bloomberg reported:
“As Haiti descends into chaos, a key figure is missing: Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Henry traveled to Guyana to attend a meeting of Caribbean leaders on February 25, then continued on to Kenya, where he signed a document paving the way for the formation of a multinational security force .
But with gangs turning the capital, Port-au-Prince, into a war zone, freeing thousands of prisoners, burning police stations, and attacking Haiti's main international airport, Henry's whereabouts are unknown. Calls and emails to his office were not answered, and he did not post on his personal account X's account has been verified since Sunday.
Henry took power after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, with the support of the international community.
“We understand that the prime minister will return to the country,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Monday at a press conference. “We think it is important that he does that and that he is allowed to do that.”
Read more:
Haiti Hell: A state of emergency and curfew imposed after armed gang members attacked the capital, Port-au-Prince, releasing thousands of prisoners in two massive prison periods!
