Massive Prison Break in Port-au-Prince Amid Rising Violence
Amid escalating violence in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, a large number of prisoners have broken free from the National Penitentiary following a violent outbreak on Saturday, as reported by a source in law enforcement.
Hundreds of prisoners have escaped from Haiti’s National Penitentiary in the capital, Port-au-Prince, following a violent outbreak on Saturday, as reported by a law enforcement source.
In a post on X, a Police Union in Haiti urgently called for all officers in the capital who have access to cars and weapons to help the police in regaining control of the penitentiary. The union also issued a warning that if the attackers succeed, the consequences would be severe, stating, "We are done. No one will be spared in the capital because there will be 3,000 extra bandits now effective," according to the statement.
Multiple security sources in Port-au-Prince informed CNN that the recent increase in violence, starting on Thursday and focusing on police stations, the international airport, and the National Penitentiary, is the worst seen in years.
On Friday, Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, declared his intention to persist in his campaign to remove Prime Minister Ariel Henry.
Cherizier, a former police officer who leads an alliance of gangs, called on the Haitian National Police and military to arrest Ariel Henry. He emphasized that the population and armed groups are not the enemy, but rather Ariel Henry. Cherizier stated that by taking action against Henry, they can work towards liberating the country. He also mentioned that the weapons they possess will be used to bring about change in the country. Despite facing sanctions from the United Nations and the United States Department of Treasury, Cherizier remains committed to his cause.
Public frustration towards Henry had been growing because he couldn't control the unrest. This frustration reached a peak when he didn't resign last month, despite the increasing violence.
According to a past agreement, Henry had promised to organize elections and hand over his power by Feb 7.
During a regional summit on Wednesday, Henry assured other Caribbean leaders that he will be conducting polls by August 31 next year, marking the first time he has provided a specific date for the vote.
The recent conflict, which began on Thursday, coincided with Henry's trip to Kenya to discuss plans with Kenyan President William Ruto for the deployment of a multinational security mission to Haiti.
Residents flee their homes during clashes between police and gang member at the Portail neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on February 29, 2024.
Residents flee their homes during clashes between police and gang member at the Portail neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on February 29, 2024.
Odelyn Joseph/AP
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Gunfire near the Haiti airport has caused disruptions to flights for a second consecutive day. According to a Haitian law enforcement source speaking to CNN, gangs have carried out attacks on several police stations in the city since Thursday. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and the burning down of some stations.
On Thursday, flights near the airport were suspended due to gunfire.
The US Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert on Friday, cautioning about gunshots and traffic disruptions around the airport terminals, a nearby hotel, and the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police.
In recent years, Haiti has faced a lot of unrest and gang violence. In Port-au-Prince, warring gangs have taken control, blocking important supply routes to other parts of the country. Additionally, gang members have been terrorizing the city's residents, leading to around 200,000 people having to leave their homes due to the rampant violence including killings, kidnappings, arson, and sexual assaults.
Some 1,100 people were killed, injured or kidnapped in January alone, in what the United Nations called the most violent month in two years.
