More than 500 prisoners in Haiti escape in armed gang attack

The security situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate as armed gangs launched a large-scale attack on the city of Mirebalais, 48km northeast of the capital, causing a new wave of violence in the country.

Radio Vision 2000 reported that in the early morning of April 1 (local time), a criminal alliance called "Viv Ansanm" (Living Together) invaded Mirebalais, carrying out an organized attack campaign.

Gunmen seized the local prison, freed at least 530 inmates, and set fire to homes, vehicles and public buildings.

In the fierce fighting with the civil defense force, 2 militiamen were injured.

A day earlier, criminal groups also attacked the town of Saut-d'Eau, a famous pilgrimage site sacred to the Voodoo faith.

The Haitian Police Federation (SPNH-17) has warned of a widespread "loss of territorial control" and called for resources to prevent criminal groups from further expanding their reach.

According to the latest United Nations report, the violence in Haiti in 2024 caused serious damage with 5,626 people killed, 2,213 injured and 1,494 kidnapped - these numbers all increased significantly compared to the previous year.

The security crisis forced former Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign in early 2024. Henry came to power in 2021 after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.