A state of emergency has been declared in Haiti as armed gangs have caused chaos by breaking into multiple prisons, resulting in a mass prison break. Over the weekend, gunmen stormed several prisons, releasing as many as 4000 inmates from one facility alone, which originally housed around 1400 prisoners. The situation has escalated tensions, particularly among those incarcerated for the murder of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021.
Amidst the chaos, corpses were discovered both inside the prisons and on the streets, with some victims found bound with their hands behind their backs. The violence also led to disruptions in communication, as a fiber optic cable connection was severed during the rampage, causing an internet outage.
Furthermore, the armed gangs carried out attacks on various locations, including an airport, a soccer stadium, and police stations. They have even called for the resignation of the Prime Minister of Haiti. The government has responded by imposing a curfew to address the surge in violent crime.
As the situation worsens, the U.S. government is advising American citizens in Haiti to evacuate immediately. The government is taking steps to restore order and security, with concerns growing over the need for international intervention to stabilize the region.
