In a shocking act of violence, armed gangs stormed the central town of Mirebalais in Haiti, freeing approximately 500 inmates from local prison facilities, according to recent reports. The attack illustrates the growing power of organized crime in regions outside the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Haitian Gangs Raid Mirebalais, Free 500 Inmates Amid Rising Violence
Haitian Gangs Raid Mirebalais, Free 500 Inmates Amid Rising Violence
Armed groups escalate control beyond the capital, targeting central regions and prompting police response.
The incidents unfolded on Monday, with gang members attacking the town located about 50km northeast of Port-au-Prince. In response, the Haitian National Police dispatched additional officers to restore order, although reports indicate that many of the escaped prisoners remain on the streets, raising concerns among residents.
Eyewitnesses described heavily armed aggressors firing at both people and properties, alongside setting vehicles and buildings ablaze, which forced many locals to flee in terror. Specifically, the gangs involved were identified as the notorious 400 Mawozo and a group known as the "Taliban," both of which are part of the larger Viv Ansam coalition asserting dominance over northern Port-au-Prince. Their recent assault on Mirebalais is believed to be part of a strategy to extend their reach over critical transportation routes.
The 400 Mawozo gang has gained infamy for its kidnapping operations, frequently targeting buses traveling in the area. The Taliban gang, with its stronghold in Canaan, also poses significant challenges to safety in the region. This raid follows tragic news from earlier in the week when Benedict Kabiru, a Kenyan police officer part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, was killed during a gang-related incident, marking yet another loss for foreign personnel aiding the beleaguered Haitian police force.
The MSS, deployed to assist in reclaiming control of gang-occupied areas, has faced rising criticism as local citizens report minimal improvements in security. The ongoing wave of violence in Haiti continues to disrupt the lives of many, with the United Nations reporting over 5,600 fatalities from gang violence last year alone, alongside substantial numbers of injuries and kidnappings this year. The escalating situation highlights the urgent need for effective intervention and aid to restore order in Haiti.
Eyewitnesses described heavily armed aggressors firing at both people and properties, alongside setting vehicles and buildings ablaze, which forced many locals to flee in terror. Specifically, the gangs involved were identified as the notorious 400 Mawozo and a group known as the "Taliban," both of which are part of the larger Viv Ansam coalition asserting dominance over northern Port-au-Prince. Their recent assault on Mirebalais is believed to be part of a strategy to extend their reach over critical transportation routes.
The 400 Mawozo gang has gained infamy for its kidnapping operations, frequently targeting buses traveling in the area. The Taliban gang, with its stronghold in Canaan, also poses significant challenges to safety in the region. This raid follows tragic news from earlier in the week when Benedict Kabiru, a Kenyan police officer part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, was killed during a gang-related incident, marking yet another loss for foreign personnel aiding the beleaguered Haitian police force.
The MSS, deployed to assist in reclaiming control of gang-occupied areas, has faced rising criticism as local citizens report minimal improvements in security. The ongoing wave of violence in Haiti continues to disrupt the lives of many, with the United Nations reporting over 5,600 fatalities from gang violence last year alone, alongside substantial numbers of injuries and kidnappings this year. The escalating situation highlights the urgent need for effective intervention and aid to restore order in Haiti.
