Armed gunmen have launched an attack on the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) in Port-au-Prince.
This resulted in a deadly confrontation with police forces.
According to an employee who spoke to AFP, the assailants, described as a “group of criminals,” targeted the central bank, leaving up to four dead and a guard injured.
The BRH expressed gratitude to security forces for their swift response, stating, “Following an incident yesterday near [our] site on Rue Pavee, security forces and the bank’s security team acted with professionalism and efficiency.”
Haiti has been grappling with escalating violence in recent weeks, triggered by prison raids orchestrated by gangs, leading to mass inmate releases and the resignation of the prime minister.
Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, also known as “Barbecue,” has been a focal point for law enforcement efforts to regain control of Port-au-Prince.
The situation has plunged Haiti into a state of emergency, prompting international intervention efforts and evacuations of embassy staff by countries like the United States and Germany.
In response to the violence, Ariel Henry resigned as prime minister to make way for the establishment of an interim government.
Mr. Henry was barred from returning to Haiti after departing in late January for official trips to Guyana and Kenya, during which he brokered an agreement for the deployment of an international security force aimed at addressing the ongoing violence.
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