In a shocking turn of events, hundreds of prisoners have escaped from Haiti’s National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince amid escalating violence, according to law enforcement sources.

The chaos erupted on Saturday, with fighting spreading throughout the city, targeting police stations, the international airport, and the penitentiary itself.

The situation has prompted a plea from Haiti’s Police Unions, urging officers with access to cars and weapons to assist in regaining control.

They warned that failure to do so could lead to a surge in criminal activity, putting the capital at risk.

Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, intensified the turmoil by calling for the arrest of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Cherizier, a former police officer leading an alliance of gangs, has faced sanctions from the United Nations and the United States Department of Treasury.

Public frustration against Prime Minister Henry has been mounting due to his perceived inability to quell the unrest.

The situation worsened when Henry failed to step down last month, citing the escalating violence. Despite promises of elections and a power transfer, the unrest has continued.

Caribbean leaders announced a commitment from Prime Minister Henry to hold general elections no later than August 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the recent surge in violence coincided with Henry’s visit to Kenya, where he was finalizing details for a multinational security support mission to Haiti.

As clashes between gangs and police escalate, multiple police stations have been attacked, resulting in at least four casualties and the destruction of some stations.

The situation remains tense, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty as Haiti grapples with a crisis that has captured international attention.

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