Heavy Gunfire and Smoke Engulf Neighborhoods Near Port-au-Prince Airport

Neighborhoods near the Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, have been rocked by heavy gunfire and smoke as armed gangs launched fresh attacks on parts of the capital. The Lower Delmas area has turned into a battlefield between police and armed gangs, with recordings circulated on social media appearing to show a gang leader ordering his soldiers to burn houses down in the impoverished neighborhood.

The State University of Haiti's medical facility was also looted by gangs overnight, and attacks were reported in the Petion-Ville suburb. Residents have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence, further complicating the situation as Haiti's civil protection agency warned of possible flooding in the capital due to heavy rains.

Why this matters: The escalating violence in Haiti's capital comes at a critical time as the country prepares for the installation of a nine-member council to take over from Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has pledged to step down on March 11. The ongoing unrest threatens to further destabilize the nation and worsen the humanitarian crisis faced by its citizens.

The attacks by armed gangs have been met with resistance from both the Haitian National Police (PNH) and local residents. In the commune of Pétion-ville, around five members of a violent gang led by Vitelhomme Innocent were shot dead by PNH agents and the population on the morning of Sunday, April 21. Witnesses reported that armed gang members, traveling in a convoy, were confronted by a spontaneous reaction from PNH agents and the population, putting an end to their tyranny.

The ongoing violence has caused widespread panic among the residents of Port-au-Prince, with many forced to flee their homes in search of safety. As Haiti prepares for a political transition, the international community has called for an end to the violence and for all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue to address the country's challenges. "The situation in Haiti is becoming increasingly dire, and it is vital that all involved parties work together to find a peaceful resolution to the current crisis," said a spokesperson for the United Nations.

Key Takeaways

• Armed gangs launch attacks in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, near airport.
• Gangs loot medical facility, burn houses, and clash with police.
• Residents flee violence as Haiti prepares for political transition.
• Haitian police and locals resist gang attacks, killing 5 members.
• UN calls for peaceful resolution to Haiti's escalating crisis.