Haitian police fight to keep gang coalition from seizing power of entire capital


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Gun battles between police and gangs in Haiti’s capital are forcing thousands to flee. Gunmen reportedly fought to take over one of the few areas in Port-au-Prince not already controlled by criminal organizations. The neighborhoods of Solino and Nazon have been under attack since Thursday, Oct. 17.

Gang members threatened residents who do not join their efforts that they will be “burned to ashes.”

The attackers are reportedly a coalition of two rival gangs that joined forces to attack neighborhoods and government institutions. Their efforts forced Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign in February 2024.

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The recent violence has reportedly forced more than 4,200 people to flee, and now more than 60% of Haitians left homeless have moved into already crowded emergency shelters.

Over the weekend, Haiti’s police union warned that if it loses these neighborhoods, it could mean losing control of the entire city to gangs. Police said if that happens, no government will be able to be in place.

Gangs currently control 80% of Port-au-Prince. A United Nations-approved Kenyan-led international police force has been sent to try and stop the violence.

Meanwhile, it’s unclear what caused the latest attack. It came days after Haitian and Kenyan police killed 20 suspected gang members.

Evan Hummel (Producer) contributed to this report.
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