PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) – Armed gangs have launched attacks in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, with heavy gunfire disturbing the peaceful communities near the Haitian capital. Gangs have raged through the country, attacking key institutions while also shutting down the main international airport leaving many American citizens stuck there.
It is believed that these gangs were never in favor of Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, saying how he was never elected by the people and blamed him for the deepening of poverty. Ariel Henry has been serving as acting Prime Minister since July 2021, after the assassination of Jovenel Moise. On March 12, Ariel Henry announced he was resigning, stating how the violence has left the government in turmoil.
The gangs have pushed many Haitians to the brink of famine and have left many more in desperate conditions. On March 16, essential items that were being given out to those in need were looted in the capital of Port-au-Prince’s main port. The items included maternal, neonatal, and child survival equipment. On March 18, the armed gangs attacked two upscale neighborhoods, leaving at least a dozen people dead.
With the airport closed, the U.S. said it would be offering limited charter flights for American citizens from the less chaotic northern city of Cap-Haitian. The citizens have been told to only consider the flight if they can reach the airport safely. On March 17, a U.S. Government charter aircraft that departed from Cap-Haitian was able to bring over 30 U.S. citizens back to the States. The U.S. has also flown in military forces to help with security at the American Embassy.
Credit: CBS