On 04MAR, Haiti's main international airport faced a brazen attack by heavily armed gangs, engaging in gunfire with law enforcement and military personnel as the country’s government issued a state of emergency.
This assault is part of a surge in violence targeting critical government locations, including the recent large-scale prison escapes from the country's major penitentiaries. Shortly after the airport incident, an armed gang targeted Haiti's police academy.
During the attack on Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the facility was shut down, devoid of planes and passengers. CBS News reports witnesses observed an armoured truck on the runway, exchanging fire with the assailants to prevent them from breaching airport premises.
After the weekend's chaos, armed gangs liberated thousands of prisoners from the nation's largest jails.
The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, intensified border security measures, with the defence minister overseeing progress on a border fence. Reuters reports that the president ruled out establishing refugee camps for Haitians within D.R.'s borders, signalling a firm stance amidst the escalating crisis.
The United States urges citizens to leave Haiti "as soon as possible."
Reuters reports, "Brazil's government called on the international community to implement the U.N.'s resolution to send a multinational force to Haiti."
The Bahamas announced the withdrawal of embassy staff. In a similar vein, Mexico advised its citizens to restrict themselves to essential travel and prepare by stocking up on water, fuel, and non-perishable goods.
