Haiti: Attempt to Break Blockade of Fuel Plant

The National Police Haiti was trying to drive out a powerful gang that has surrounded a key fuel plant in Port-au-Prince for nearly two months. It was not immediately clear whether government forces managed to lift the blockade, which has been devastating to the economy.

LOOK: El Salvador Forces Prisoners to Destroy Tombstones of Gang Members

In a voice mail message sent to The Associated Press, Police Chief Frantz Elbé congratulated the officers who participated in the operation to expel members of the G9 gang, led by Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer nicknamed “Barbecue.” The gang demands the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

On Thursday there was a shooting in the area that resonated throughout the capital. At first it was not clear if there were deaths or if the gang had been totally expelled from the place.

“We won a fight, but it’s not over”Elbe said.

LOOK: Peruvian killed with an arrow in Italy celebrated the birth of his son

Police and Henry’s office spokesmen did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Local radio stations said that calm reigned in the area where the fuel terminal is located.

The lack of fuel has forced the closure of gas stations. Hospitals have been unable to provide critical services amid a cholera outbreak that has killed dozens of people and affected thousands.

The situation has alarmed foreign governments, which in recent weeks have sent aid to the National Police, including armored vehicles, to combat the gangs, which have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

So far, foreign governments have not responded to Henry’s request for troop shipments.

LOOK: Visa lottery 2024 to the United States: deadline to register and when the winners will be revealed

Two weeks ago, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate end to violence and criminal activity in Haiti and imposing a travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo on Cherizier.

Additionally, the US Treasury Department on Friday announced sanctions on the president of the Haitian Senate and a former senator over allegations that they abused their positions to traffic drugs in collaboration with gangs and that they encouraged others to commit acts of violence.

Source: Elcomercio

Ronald Payne

I, Ronald Payne, am a journalist and author who dedicated his life to telling the stories that need to be said. I have over 7 years of experience as a reporter and editor, covering everything from politics to business to crime.