Haiti: Police operation in Port-au-Prince December 2

Event

Police in Port-au-Prince arrested 88 suspected gang members, including three leaders, and seized weapons and munitions in a city-wide operation on Sunday, December 2. According to officials, the UN-supported mission aimed to "liberate" certain zones in the capital where gangs operate with little repercussion. A heightened security presence in the capital may persist amid, what police describe, as an ongoing gang-war.

Context

At least 500 murders have been reported in Port-au-Prince in 2018 as of September. In addition to gang violence, the capital has also experienced several violent deadly protests largely over the alleged benefits allotted to public servants and the alleged misuse of PetroCaribe funds.

Advice

Individuals in Haiti, particularly those in Port-au-Prince, are advised to monitor the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Petty crime rates often increase during December, and visitors should remain vigilant when moving about in the capital.