Listen to the article
The United Nations and foreign embassies advised staff to remain off Port-au-Prince streets Monday following threats from Haitian gang leaders, marking an escalation in the ongoing security crisis gripping Haiti’s capital.
UN security officials directed personnel to work remotely and restrict travel throughout the West region, while Haiti’s National Police canceled all personnel leave indefinitely, according to multiple sources including The Miami Herald. Mathias Gillmann, spokesperson for the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, confirmed to Fox News Digital that staff had been instructed to work from home for the day.
The security alert came after public threats from powerful gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, widely known as “Barbecue,” began circulating on social media following weekend security operations conducted by Haitian National Police, the Armed Forces of Haiti, and the multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
In a video shared Sunday by an independent Haitian media outlet, Chérizier urged civilians to stay home on November 17, warning people not to “be a victim” and to “leave the streets to ‘Viv Ansanm’ and the police so that we can confront them.”
Viv Ansanm represents a particularly dangerous development in Haiti’s security landscape. The coalition was formed in September 2023 through an alliance between Port-au-Prince’s two main gang factions, G-9 and G-Pép. The U.S. State Department designated Viv Ansanm as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and Foreign Terrorist Organization in May, highlighting the severity of the threat posed by these criminal groups.
The latest tensions follow a significant security operation on Friday targeting the leadership and members of the 400 Mawozo gang, which the GSF reported resulted in the deaths of several gang members. During the operation, authorities seized multiple weapons, including an M50-caliber Barrett rifle, six assault rifles, and three pistols.
“This operation sends a clear and unequivocal message: the era of unchecked gang dominance is over,” the GSF stated. “Haiti’s security institutions are mobilizing all available capabilities; on land, at sea, and in the air, to restore peace, protect communities, and ensure that every Haitian can exercise their basic human rights without fear of violence.”
The operation wasn’t without complications. A Haitian National Police helicopter providing aerial support was forced to make an emergency landing due to mechanical issues. The crew had to be evacuated by ground units, who reportedly came under heavy gunfire from gang members during the rescue mission.
This incident follows just days after U.S. Marines protecting the American Embassy in Haiti exchanged gunfire with suspected gang members on Thursday. No service members were injured in that encounter, according to officials.
The multinational security response represents the latest effort to stem Haiti’s spiraling gang violence. The GSF, authorized by the UN Security Council, has been conducting increasingly aggressive operations against gang leadership in recent weeks, though critics question whether these efforts will be sufficient to restore stability to a nation that has seen its governance structures collapse amid widespread criminal control.
Haiti has struggled with gang violence for years, but the situation deteriorated dramatically following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Gang coalitions like Viv Ansanm now control an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince, effectively governing large sections of the capital through extortion, kidnapping, and violence.
International organizations continue attempting to support Haiti’s struggling institutions, but the latest security alerts highlight the persistent challenges facing both Haitian authorities and the international community as they work to reestablish government control and public safety in a nation that remains one of the Western Hemisphere’s most pressing humanitarian crises.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
7 Comments
The confrontation between gangs and security forces in Port-au-Prince is very worrying. It’s clear that the Haitian government and its international partners need to find a comprehensive solution to this deepening crisis.
It’s alarming to see UN personnel forced to restrict their movements due to the volatile security environment. This underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of Haiti’s gang violence.
The situation seems increasingly tense, with UN staff confined and gangs openly challenging the authorities. I’m curious to learn more about the specific dynamics driving this escalation and what potential solutions are being explored.
This security crisis in Haiti is extremely complex, with powerful gangs, a weak government, and a history of instability. I’m curious to see what specific measures the UN and international community will take to try to resolve the situation.
The gang leader’s threats against civilians are very worrying. It’s critical that the UN and international community work closely with Haitian authorities to address this security crisis and protect the local population.
This security situation in Haiti sounds incredibly concerning. It’s troubling to see powerful gangs wielding such influence and putting UN staff at risk. I hope the authorities can restore order and stability soon.
This conflict between gangs and security forces in Port-au-Prince highlights the deep instability and lack of governance in Haiti. Decisive action is needed to disarm the gangs and restore the rule of law.