Three Killed in Gang Attack at Haiti Hospital
At least three people were killed in a gang attack at a Haiti hospital, including two journalists and a police officer, during a press briefing at the main public hospital in Port-au-Prince. The Viv Ansanm gang alliance, which controls much of the city, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Details of the Attack
The hospital, previously occupied and destroyed by gangs, had recently been recaptured by the government. Journalists and officials were attending a reopening ceremony when the attack occurred.
Key Facts:
- Victims: Journalists Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean, and one police officer.
- Injured: Several other journalists and attendees.
- Gang Statement: The gang opposed the hospital’s reopening, deeming it unauthorized.
Photojournalist Dieugo André, who witnessed the attack, described the harrowing scene:
“It felt like a terrible movie. I have the blood of several injured journalists on my clothes.”
The Crisis in Haiti
The attack is a stark reminder of Haiti’s ongoing gang violence crisis, which has gripped the country since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
- Gang Control: Over 85% of Port-au-Prince is dominated by gangs.
- Casualties: The UN reports 5,000 deaths from gang violence this year alone.
- Economic Collapse: The violence has further destabilized the nation, leaving it on the verge of collapse.
Reactions to the Attack
Leslie Voltaire, head of Haiti’s presidential transitional council, condemned the attack:
“We guarantee that this act will not remain without consequences.”
Despite international intervention, including a Kenyan-led peacekeeping force, the violence persists, raising questions about the effectiveness of current measures to restore order.
Conclusion
This gang attack at Haiti hospital is a grim reflection of the escalating crisis in Port-au-Prince. The international community must act swiftly to address the root causes of this violence and ensure the safety of Haiti’s citizens.
External Link: Read more about the Haiti hospital attack at BBC News.
Internal Link: Explore additional stories on global crises at Kenkou Land.
