09 May 2022 | 10:03 AM UTC
Haiti: Unidentified criminals hijack bus and abduct at least eight foreign nationals in Croix-des-Bouquets May 8
Unidentified attackers hijack bus in Coutard, Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, May 8, and abduct at least eight foreign nationals.
Event
Unidentified criminals hijacked a tour bus and abducted at least eight Turkish nationals and other Haitian citizens near Coutard, Croix-des-Bouquets, May 8. The bus, operated by Dominican Republic-based Metro Servicios Turisticos, was traveling from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Initial reports indicate the Turkish victims are missionaries.
An increased security presence is likely in the area, and Haitian security forces may conduct operations to free the kidnapped individuals. Violence between security forces and gang members is possible. Security operations and gang activity may disrupt land transportation along Highway 8, the main route between Port-au-Prince and the Dominican Republic, as well as on Highway 3 between Port-au-Prince and northern Haiti.
Coutard is 16 km (10 miles) northeast of Port-au-Prince.
Context
The incident occurred amid increased gang violence in Haiti and shortly after the May 3 extradition to the US of Germine Joly, the leader of the "400 Mawozo" gang, a dominant criminal organization in the Croix-des-Bouquets area. Croix-des-Bouquets and northern neighborhoods of Port-Au-Prince continue to see an increase in gang shootings, arson, and civil unrest since late April.
The presence of gangs in northern Port-au-Prince and Croix-des-Bouquets is likely to continue increasing the risk of kidnapping for those traveling between Port-au-Prince and Haiti's northern and eastern regions. Kidnappings remain one of the main sources of income for gangs operating in the country and the police lack the capabilities to combat violent crime. Insecurity has increased since the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, an event that has led to a power vacuum in Haitian politics and increased unrest.
Advice
Monitor local media for information regarding road closures and security operations. Refrain from nonessential travel after dark. Avoid areas where police or other security forces appear to be deploying. Exercise heightened personal vigilance and keep away from areas most severely affected by criminal activity. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.