By Trend News Line 2024-03-19 08:45:00.
**Gangs Rampage Through Upscale Neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, Haiti**
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In a shocking turn of events, gangs launched a violent attack on two upscale neighborhoods in the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, early Monday morning. The rampage resulted in the deaths of at least a dozen people in the surrounding areas, leaving residents terrified and desperate for help.
**Gunmen Loot Homes in Laboule and Thomassin**
The gunmen looted homes in the communities of Laboule and Thomassin before sunrise, forcing residents to flee for their lives. Some residents even called radio stations pleading for police assistance as chaos and fear gripped the neighborhoods. Despite a surge in violent gang attacks across Port-au-Prince since February 29, these two neighborhoods had managed to remain largely peaceful until this brutal incident.
**Bodies Found Strewn on the Streets**
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An Associated Press photographer witnessed the aftermath of the attack, with the bodies of at least 12 men scattered on the streets of Pétionville, located just below the mountainous communities of Laboule and Thomassin. The scenes were harrowing, with one victim lying face up on the street surrounded by a scattered deck of cards, while another was discovered face down inside a taxi known as a “tap-tap.” The community was left in shock and mourning as the full extent of the violence became apparent.
**Outcry and Grief Among Residents**
The heartbreaking scenes prompted an outpouring of grief and anger from the residents of Pétionville. One Haitian man, who preferred to remain anonymous, raised his arms in despair near one of the victims, crying out, “Abuse! This is abuse! People of Haiti, wake up!” The emotional toll of the violence was palpable as a woman collapsed upon learning that a relative of hers had been among the victims.
**Efforts to Restore Order**
In the wake of the attacks, efforts were made to restore order and dignity to the affected communities. Douce Titi, who works at the mayor’s office, expressed determination to remove the bodies from the streets before children passed by on their way to school and vendors arrived to start their day. Despite the tragic loss of life, the community vowed to come together and rebuild in the face of such senseless violence.
**Continued Gang Violence Raises Concerns**
The recent attacks have raised concerns that gang violence in Haiti will continue unabated, despite Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s announcement of his resignation once a transitional presidential council is established. Gangs have long opposed Henry, accusing him of deepening poverty and lacking legitimacy. However, critics argue that the gangs are merely seeking to seize power for themselves or for undisclosed political figures.
**Haiti’s Power Company Suffers Destruction**
In a further blow to the stability of the country, Haiti’s power company announced that four substations in the capital and elsewhere had been destroyed, leaving swathes of Port-au-Prince without electricity. The criminal elements responsible also seized vital equipment and documents, exacerbating the already dire situation in the country.
**International Assistance and Uncertain Future**
As Haiti grapples with escalating violence and political turmoil, international assistance is being sought to establish a transitional council and restore order. The deployment of a U.N.-backed Kenyan police force has been delayed pending the formation of the council, while Caribbean leaders work to facilitate the process. Despite these efforts, the future remains uncertain for the beleaguered nation as it struggles to overcome the challenges of gang violence and instability.
As the people of Haiti mourn the loss of lives in these senseless attacks, the urgent need for peace, security, and stability in the country has never been more apparent. The international community must come together to support Haiti in its time of crisis and work towards a brighter future for all its citizens..
Haitian gangs strike neighborhoods
Haitian gangs target neighborhoods.
