Haiti - FLASH : Violent clashes between the PNH and heavily armed criminals
Since Thursday evening, a situation of high tension has reigned in the commune of Carrefour where a group of heavily armed individuals, previously driven from this area, has been trying to regain control of the Mahotière and Waney neighborhoods to impose their law there. They face, in an atmosphere of urban guerrilla warfare, several highly motivated specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by an armored vehicle, which are carrying out a large-scale operation to dislodge these criminals.
All day Friday, bursts of automatic weapons were heard until late in the evening, causing panic among the population of the two affected neighborhoods. The doors of several educational institutions and businesses have closed their doors. The Decatus market, in the neighborhood of Mahotière remained closed armed men wearing balaclavas occupied the premises.
Commissioner Michel-Ange Louis-Jeune, spokesperson for the Haitian National Police (PNH) was unable to provide an assessment, but confirmed that there were several injured in the clashes but none at home. the police...
However, testimonies report injuries and deaths in both camps, information impossible to confirm as the confusion reigning in the area is great...
While awaiting the official results of this vast police operation, relative calm has returned, disturbed by some sporadic gusts. Tension remains high among residents, many of whom prefer to stay sheltered behind their doors.
