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“Haiti Hospital Under Siege: Gang Violence Leaves Patients Trapped”
In a horrifying turn of events, Fontaine Hospital Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, fell under siege by a heavily armed gang, leaving women, children, and newborns trapped inside. The director of the medical center, Jose Ulysse, took to social media to plead for help as the gang surrounded the hospital, preventing anyone from leaving.
The Fontaine Hospital Center, a vital lifeline in a community plagued by gang violence, found itself at the mercy of the violent attacks. The dire situation has highlighted the escalating violence and lawlessness that has overrun the Haitian capital.
Rescue Efforts Amid Chaos
Amid the chaos, Jose Ulysse urgently appealed for assistance, leading to the arrival of Haiti’s National Police force with armored trucks to evacuate 40 children and 70 patients to a private home in a safer part of the city. The delicate evacuation involved transporting children on oxygen, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the situation.
The Responsibility of Gangs
The disturbing events were attributed to the Brooklyn gang, led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre, also known as “Ti Gabriel,” who is a key figure in the G-Pep gang coalition. These gangs, comprising hundreds of members, have established control over various communities in Cite Soleil, perpetuating acts of extortion, violence, and hijacking.
Rising Gang Power
The incident at Fontaine Hospital Center is just one of many in a series of violent events that have plagued Haiti following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. Since then, the power of gangs has continued to grow, leading to an increase in kidnappings and killings across the country.
International Concern
The severity of the situation reflects an urgent need for international attention and assistance, as organizations such as Doctors Without Borders have also fallen prey to armed gang members, endangering the lives of both medical staff and patients.
Conclusion: A Cry for Help
The harrowing ordeal at Fontaine Hospital Center serves as a grim reminder of the reality faced by the people of Haiti every day. The escalating gang violence presents a critical threat to the safety and well-being of the country’s citizens, warranting immediate intervention and support from the international community. As Haiti grapples with the stronghold of gangs and the resulting chaos, the plight of those caught in the crossfire emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to restore peace and security in the region.
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