Haiti Plunged into Chaos as Gangs Storm Prisons, Seize Areas in Apparent Bid to Topple Government
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Haiti is experiencing a crisis with armed gangs storming prisons, freeing inmates, leaving corpses in neighborhoods, and establishing roadblocks. The whereabouts of the Prime Minister are unknown.
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Gangs currently control around 80% of Haiti's capital and have amassed power due to their ability to acquire high-caliber weapons and an under-resourced police force.
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The recent escalation in violence is believed to be an attempt to oust Prime Minister Henry after he pushed for UN-backed military intervention against the gangs.
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Gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier wants to bring down the government and has urged Haitians to mobilize against it. His gang federation controls areas surrounding key infrastructure.
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The crisis has prompted embassy staff drawdowns and warnings for citizens to leave Haiti. Aid groups have paused work in the country due to the security situation.