In Haiti, armed gangs have stormed the town of Mirebalais, releasing approximately 500 inmates from prison amidst escalating violence across the country. Haiti's national police confirmed the incident and announced the deployment of additional officers to the troubled area, which lies about 50 kilometers northeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Despite the deployment of reinforcements, local sources report that many inmates remain on the streets, heightening community fears.
Haiti's Gangs Execute Bold Jailbreak, Releasing 500 Inmates
Haiti's Gangs Execute Bold Jailbreak, Releasing 500 Inmates
In a shocking turn of events, armed gangs took over Mirebalais, resulting in a massive jail release.
The brazen attack highlights the growing influence of armed groups beyond the capital. Locals recounted how heavily armed men fired at buildings and individuals, setting fire to structures and forcing residents to flee. Witnesses identified the attackers as members of two gangs: the notorious 400 Mawozo, known for its kidnappings, and a group dubbed "Taliban," both integral parts of the Viv Ansam gang coalition. The assault appears to be a strategic effort by these gangs to control critical transport routes leading to the countryside.
This incident follows the recent murder of Kenyan police officer Benedict Kabiru during a gang confrontation. His death marks the second loss of a Kenyan officer in the ongoing mission to restore order in gang-infested areas. The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) has struggled to make significant headway against rampant gang violence, with over 5,600 fatalities recorded in Haiti last year alone due to such conflicts. The United Nations reports a troubling escalation in violence in 2024, with over 2,200 injuries and nearly 1,500 kidnappings recorded.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the implications for the residents of Mirebalais and the broader Haitian community remain grave, illustrative of a country grappling with the devastating impacts of gang rule and violence.
This incident follows the recent murder of Kenyan police officer Benedict Kabiru during a gang confrontation. His death marks the second loss of a Kenyan officer in the ongoing mission to restore order in gang-infested areas. The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) has struggled to make significant headway against rampant gang violence, with over 5,600 fatalities recorded in Haiti last year alone due to such conflicts. The United Nations reports a troubling escalation in violence in 2024, with over 2,200 injuries and nearly 1,500 kidnappings recorded.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the implications for the residents of Mirebalais and the broader Haitian community remain grave, illustrative of a country grappling with the devastating impacts of gang rule and violence.
