Eleven Inmates Killed in Shootouts Following Haiti Prison Break

Eleven Inmates Killed in Shootouts Following Haiti Prison Break

In Saint-Marc, central Haiti, a prison break on Friday led to violent shootouts between escaped inmates and the police. Authorities reported that eleven of the escapees were killed during these confrontations. Details on the total number of inmates who escaped have not been disclosed.

Local media reported hearing gunfire near the prison, but it remains unclear how many inmates were involved in the escape. This incident marks the third significant prison break in Haiti this year. Earlier in March, gangs stormed Haiti’s two largest prisons in Port-au-Prince, freeing thousands of inmates. This massive breakout was part of coordinated attacks that contributed to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

In related news, police recently arrested an inmate who had escaped earlier this year. This arrest occurred during an anti-crime operation that also resulted in the detention of 14 individuals, including three police officers. The operation aimed to combat rising crime rates in the region.

Haiti’s prison system is plagued by severe overcrowding, with pre-trial detentions often extending for years due to the country’s broken judicial system. Prisons also suffer from chronic shortages of food and water, leading to malnutrition and related health issues among inmates.

During a separate operation, police also seized various weapons, including assault rifles. These seizures were unrelated to the recent prison break but highlight ongoing efforts to address armed violence in the country.

Source: Africa News