Violence Escalates in Haiti as Intruders Break into Major Port Terminal
The Caribbean nation of Haiti is currently facing a severe escalation of violence as intruders broke into a major port terminal in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. This incident occurred after the government extended its state of emergency, leading to increased unrest and chaos in the country. The state of emergency has been extended until April 3 in the West Region and Port-au-Prince, with a curfew in place until March 10.
The port terminal that was breached is known as Caribbean Port Services (CPS), which plays a crucial role in Haiti’s food import supply chain. The intruders targeted the terminal’s gated warehouse area, where numerous containers are stored. The situation at the port remains tense and unstable, with video footage showing hundreds of people surrounding the facility and dozens breaking into the gated warehouse. Despite these developments, CPS has not provided any comments regarding the incident.
Exclusive satellite imagery obtained from Airbus reveals the aftermath of the port breach. The images show significant amounts of debris scattered across the container port terminal area. Additionally, another satellite image captured a Haitian National Police MRAP (mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle) positioned on a major roadway. This deployment was intended to prevent gang coalition leader Jimmy Cherizier from expanding attacks and moving towards the airport road.
Satellite images also depict blockades constructed by local residents and gangs along major streets in Port-au-Prince, effectively isolating entire neighborhoods. Gang attacks on law enforcement and state institutions have been highly coordinated, with Cherizier openly declaring his intention to overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s government. Cherizier has warned of a potential civil war leading to genocide if the prime minister does not step down.
The ongoing violence has resulted in tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes, exacerbating an already dire situation for those displaced by gang violence. Aid organizations are also facing challenges in distributing essential supplies due to the instability. The World Food Programme has suspended its maritime transport services in Port-au-Prince, preventing the distribution of aid across Haiti.
The port breach has further complicated the situation, with two dozen trucks filled with food, medical supplies, and equipment stuck at the port. Maritime routes are crucial for transporting aid to different parts of the country, and the current instability has severely disrupted these operations. The healthcare system in Haiti is on the verge of collapse, as violence and lack of personnel and medicine have forced many health centers to reduce their operations. Only one public hospital remains operational in Port-au-Prince’s metropolitan area, and emergency services are severely hampered.
Doctors in Haiti are desperate for help, facing shortages of oxygen and water. Ronald Laroche, a doctor who runs a network of private hospitals, highlighted the dire situation, stating that most hospitals have closed their doors due to the lack of resources and the risk of kidnappings. The country’s Civil Protection agency has been unable to gather accurate information on civilian injuries and deaths during this wave of violence.
The United States has been urging Prime Minister Ariel Henry to facilitate a political transition in Haiti. The US proposes the formation of a three-member transitional council that would select an interim president to lead the country. Prime Minister Henry came to power in 2021 following the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, with the backing of the United States, Canada, and other key allies. However, the promised elections for 2023 did not take place due to insecurity in the country.
Prime Minister Henry has faced difficulties returning to Haiti this week, with his plane being diverted to Puerto Rico after the Dominican Republic refused to allow it to land. The violence erupted while Henry was in Kenya signing an agreement for a Kenyan-led multinational mission to restore security in Haiti. Neighboring nations have also taken measures to secure their borders amid fears of mass migration from Haiti. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has established a maritime blockade in the southeastern Bahamas, concerned about prison escapees attempting to flee Haiti by boat.
Haiti has long been plagued by chronic violence, political crises, and drought. Approximately 5.5 million Haitians, half of the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance. The mortality rate in certain neighborhoods, such as Cité Soleil, is comparable to those seen during exceptionally violent periods in Syria and Myanmar.
The situation in Haiti remains critical, with violence escalating and the healthcare system on the verge of collapse. Urgent international intervention is required to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability to the country.