Haiti violence: Gangs threaten Haiti takeover after mass jailbreak - BBC News

A state of emergency is declared after armed gangs stormed a major prison, freeing thousands of inmates.

2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tyres were set on fire outside the main prison in the Haitian capital, Port-au-PrinceBy Henri Astier & Gianluca AvagninaBBC NewsThe government of Haiti declared a 72-hour state of emergency on Sunday after armed gangs stormed a major Port-au-Prince prison. At least 12 people were killed and about 3,700 inmates escaped in the jailbreak.

Gang leaders say they want to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who had travelled abroad.

The groups aiming to oust him control around 80% of Port-au-Prince.

Gang violence has plagued Haiti for years.

A government statement said two prisons - one in the capital and the other in nearby Croix des Bouquets - were stormed over the weekend.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-68462851

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