Gangs launched a new attack in Haiti’s capital early Tuesday, targeting an upscale community in Port-au-Prince where gunmen clashed with residents who fought side by side with police.
The attack in Pétionville was led by the group Viv Ansanm, whose leader, former elite police officer Jimmy Chérizier, had announced the plan in a video posted on social media.
At least 28 suspected gang members were killed and hundreds of ammunition were seized, according to Lionel Lazarre, deputy spokesman for the Haitian National Police.
It was not immediately clear whether the police had prepared for the attack or had attempted to preventively protect Pétionville, given that Chérizier, who is also known as Barbecue, had announced plans to attack it. Lazarre did not respond to a message seeking comment.
Eyewitnesses said residents were angry about the gang’s new attack on their community. They said some of the suspected gunmen were beheaded or had their feet cut off, while the bodies were placed in a pile and burned.
The attack, which began before dawn, began when two trucks carrying suspected gang members entered Pétionville. One of the trucks blocked the main entrance to the community.
Chérizier had threatened retaliation against the management and staff of any hotel in the area where politicians or “oligarchs” may have taken refuge. He also demanded the resignation of Haiti’s transitional presidential council and said the coalition would use “all its strength” against him.
Gunmen also attacked the neighboring community of Canapé Vert and other areas. Resident Richard Derosier said he heard gunshots and saw a man running with a large machine gun.
“I asked God, ‘Are you going to let them save my life?’” Derosier recalled.
The attack comes days after gang violence forced Haiti’s main international airport to close for the second time this year as the country named a new prime minister following political infighting.
Gunmen opened fire on a Spirit Airlines plane on November 11 as it prepared to land, wounding a flight attendant. The shooting prompted the closure of the airport and several airlines temporarily canceled flights to Port-au-Prince. However, the United Nations said it hopes to resume its aid flights in Haiti on Wednesday.
Gang violence has forced more than 20,000 people to flee Port-au-Prince in recent days, according to the United Nations. They join more than 700,000 people who have been left homeless in recent years due to violence.
Viv Ansanm is also responsible for a series of coordinated attacks that began in late February, targeting government infrastructure. Gunmen attacked police stations, opened fire at the main international airport, forcing it to close for almost three months, and raided Haiti’s two largest prisons, freeing more than 4,000 inmates.
The gangs control 85% of the capital and have launched attacks on previously peaceful communities in recent weeks to try to gain control of more territory.
The attacks have escalated since the arrival in June of Kenyan police leading a U.N.-backed mission to quell violence in Haiti. On Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said through his spokesman that he was “alarmed by the escalation of violence” as he urged financial and logistical support for the mission.
The U.S. government has been pushing for a U.N. peacekeeping force to replace the Kenyan-led mission because it lacks funding and personnel.
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**Considering the fragile political situation and the increasing influence of gangs like Viv Ansanm, what are the most viable paths for Haitians to regain control of their own security and rebuild their society?**
## Haiti Under Siege: An Interview
**Introduction:**
Good evening and welcome to World Today News. Tonight we delve into the escalating crisis in Haiti, where gang violence has reached a terrifying new level. We are joined by two distinguished guests: Dr. Suzanne Dubois, a Haitian historian and political analyst based in Port-au-Prince, and Mr. Michel Toussaint, a human rights advocate with extensive experience working with communities affected by gang violence. Welcome to both of you.
**Section 1: The Recent Attack and its Significance**
* Dr. Dubois, the recent attack on Pétionville, an upscale community previously considered safe, seems to mark a alarming shift in gang tactics. What are the implications of this brazen attack on a seemingly secure area?
* Mr. Toussaint, reports mention residents fighting alongside police against the attackers. Can you elaborate on the role of civilian participation in this incident and what it reveals about the level of desperation and fear within Haitian society?
**Section 2: The Role of Gangs and the Political Landscape**
* Dr. Dubois, Viv Ansanm, the gang behind this attack, has grown increasingly powerful in recent months. What factors have contributed to their rise and the apparent impunity with which they operate?
* We’ve seen Viv Ansanm’s leader, Jimmy Chérizier, openly threaten political figures and demand the resignation of the transitional government. Mr. Toussaint, how do you see the interplay between gang violence and Haiti’s fragile political situation?
**Section 3: The International Response and the Future of Haiti**
* Dr. Dubois, while the UN has expressed concern, the international response to the crisis in Haiti has been criticized for being slow and inadequate. What measures would you suggest the international community take to effectively address this multifaceted crisis?
* Mr. Toussaint, as Haiti faces this critical juncture, what are your hopes for the future? What role can Haitians themselves play in overcoming these challenges and building a more secure and just society?
**Section 4: Question from Viewers:**
* We’ve received many questions from our viewers, and one stands out: “What can individuals do to help the Haitian people during this crisis?” Dr. Dubois and Mr. Toussaint, what advice would you offer to those who want to make a difference?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you, Dr. Dubois and Mr. Toussaint, for your insightful observations and analysis. This crisis demands our urgent attention and action. The international community must stand in solidarity with the Haitian people in their struggle for a peaceful and prosperous future.
