Security Alerts in Port-au-Prince Amid Gang Threats
The United Nations and various foreign embassies have recently advised their staff to avoid the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, due to escalating threats from local gangs. This guidance came on a Monday when safety concerns prompted precautionary measures.
As part of these directives, UN security officials were instructed to work remotely. Furthermore, the Haitian National Police has suspended leave for its personnel and limited travel in the western region until further notice, according to reports from the Miami Herald.
Mathias Gilman, spokesperson for the U.N. Integration Office in Haiti, confirmed via email that staff were indeed instructed to work from home for the time being.
In recent days, powerful gang leaders have circulated public threats on social media following a security operation conducted over the weekend by the Haitian National Police, the Haitian Armed Forces, and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a multinational initiative supported by the United Nations Security Council.
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One notable figure in this situation is Jimmy Chéridier, known as “Barbecue.” He appeared in a video released by independent Haitian media over the weekend, urging citizens to stay inside on November 17 to “avoid becoming victims.” According to translations of his message, he advised, “If you don’t need to, please stay out of the streets. Leave the streets to the ‘Viv Ansam’ and the police, so we can confront them.” This message was shared by haitilibre, a local news outlet.
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Viv Ansam, an alliance of Haitian gang factions, was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department in May. This group formed in September 2023 through the merging of two significant factions, G-9 and G-Pep.
The GSF reported on Sunday that in collaboration with the Haitian National Police and specialized units of the Haitian Armed Forces, they executed a security operation against the 400 Mawozo gang. According to their statement, this operation led to the deaths of several gang members and the seizure of various weapons, including an M50 caliber Barrett rifle.
This operation, according to the GSF, sends a strong message that the era of unchecked gang rule is coming to an end. The statement emphasized that Haiti’s security services are committed to restoring peace and enabling people to exercise their rights free from violence.
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There were some issues during the operation as well; a Haitian National Police helicopter reportedly experienced a mechanical failure and made an emergency landing. Ground forces evacuated the personnel aboard, encountering heavy gunfire during the rescue.
Additionally, on Thursday, U.S. Marines stationed at the embassy found themselves in a gunfight with suspected gang members, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the military personnel involved.
