Heavily Armed Gangs Attack Haiti’s Main International Airport amid Escalating Violence
In a shocking turn of events, heavily armed gangs launched an attack on Haiti’s main international airport, the Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The assailants engaged in a fierce gun battle with the police and soldiers, highlighting the escalating violence that has gripped the nation. Fortunately, the airport was closed at the time of the attack, with no planes operating and no passengers present.
This brazen assault on the transport hub is not an isolated incident. Last week, the airport was targeted by bullets, although the attackers did not manage to breach its premises. However, this time, the gangs were determined to make their presence felt, further exacerbating the already dire situation in Haiti.
The attack on the airport comes on the heels of a series of gang attacks that have rocked the nation. Over the weekend, armed gangs overran Haiti’s two largest prisons, resulting in a mass escape of thousands of inmates. In response to this unprecedented violence, the Haitian authorities declared a 72-hour state of emergency and implemented a night-time curfew to restore order and capture the escaped criminals.
It is no secret that gangs have gained significant control over Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, with estimates suggesting that they hold sway over up to 80 percent of the city. These criminal organizations are becoming increasingly coordinated in their actions and are even targeting once unthinkable locations, such as the Central Bank. The situation has reached a critical point, prompting Prime Minister Ariel Henry to seek support from the international community in stabilizing Haiti.
In an attempt to salvage support for a United Nations-backed security force, Prime Minister Henry recently traveled to Kenya. However, his efforts have been overshadowed by the recent surge in violence and the audacious attacks on key government sites. Since assuming office after the assassination of Jovenel Moise in 2021, Henry has been grappling with numerous challenges, including postponing parliamentary and presidential elections that have been overdue for almost a decade.
The mastermind behind these attacks is none other than Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, a former elite police officer who now leads a gang federation. Cherizier has claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that the objective was to capture Haiti’s police chief and government ministers while preventing Prime Minister Henry’s return from Kenya. The audacity of these criminals is alarming, and their brazen actions have left the nation in a state of shock and uncertainty.
Despite mounting pressure for his resignation, Prime Minister Henry has remained defiant. However, when asked about the safety of his return home, he chose not to comment, leaving many to wonder about the precariousness of the situation.
As Haiti grapples with escalating violence and the audacious attacks on its main international airport, it is clear that urgent action is needed to restore peace and stability to the nation. The government must work tirelessly to apprehend the escaped criminals, dismantle the powerful gangs, and create an environment conducive to holding long-overdue elections. The international community must also step up its support and provide assistance to help Haiti overcome this crisis. Only through collective efforts can Haiti hope to emerge from this dark chapter and rebuild a brighter future for its people.