State of emergency, nighttime curfew extended to stem gang attacks

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AP):

Haiti’s government said Thursday that it was extending a state of emergency and nighttime curfew to try and curb violent gang attacks that have paralysed the capital of Port-au-Prince amid a fierce political battle for power.

An initial three-day curfew was announced over the weekend, but gangs have continued to attack police stations and other state institutions at night as Haiti’s National Police struggles to contain the violence with limited staff and resources.

The attacks began a week ago shortly after embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry agreed to hold general elections in mid-2025 while attending a meeting of Caribbean leaders. Henry is currently in Puerto Rico, where he was forced to land on Tuesday after the armed groups laid siege to the international airport, preventing him from returning.

Scores of people have died in the recent attacks, including several police officers. The violence also has left more than 15,000 people homeless.

A US Defence official said a Marine Corps Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, or FAST team is being deployed to Haiti to protect the US Embassy. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the deployment.