On Monday, March 31, at around 3:00 a.m., heavily armed members of the "Viv ansanm" coalition attacked the town of Mirebalais (Plateau Central). The attack began in the Trianon area (southern entrance to Mirebalais), accompanied by the burning of several houses and vehicles, and the firing of automatic weapons in all directions, killing and injuring several residents. This caused panic among the population, forcing many families to flee to neighboring towns, including Lascahobas, Boucan-Carré, and Hinche.

Faced with this offensive, members of a local resistance group, supported by Haitian National Police (PNH) officers, attempted to repel the attackers but ultimately retreated due to the bandits' firepower.

The attackers attacked the police station, forcing the understaffed police officers to flee and setting fire to the premises. They then stormed the Mirebalais civil prison and opened all the cells. More than 500 prisoners escaped, confirmed Lionel Lazarre, Deputy Spokesperson for the Haitian National Police (PNH).

SWAT units and the elite Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) transported by helicopter were sent as reinforcements to repel the attackers. The police station and the civilian prison were recaptured by the police. Several bandits were fatally injured in the violent clashes with law enforcement. Firearms and ammunition were recovered by the PNH.

Later in the day, Lionel Lazarre affirmed that the town of Mirebalais was now under control. Several specialized PNH units were deployed as reinforcements to the Mirebalais Police Station to hunt down the criminals seeking to terrorize the population and restore a climate of peace in the town.

On Monday, all activities remained paralyzed in Mirebalais. Schools, shops, public markets, and supermarkets remained closed. Public transportation was also paralyzed. Mirebalais was plunged into chaos.

SL/ S/ TB/ HaitiLibre