police recover cargo ship hijacked by gangs: The National Police agency of Haiti announced on Saturday that, following a gunbattle with gangs off the coast of Port-au-Prince, they were able to rescue a hijacked cargo ship that was filled with rice.
Two police officers were hurt during the five-hour gun battle, and the number of gang members slain remains unknown, according to the authorities’ statement.
On Thursday, the transport ship Magalie was hijacked as it departed from the port of Varreux by two gangs, the 5 Seconds and the Taliban gang. Radio Télé Métronome, a local news station, reported that the gangs abducted everyone on board and stole about 10,000 sacks of rice, out of a total of 60,000 sacks.
Since the end of February, gang violence in Haiti has been on the rise, making life extremely difficult for the already-strapped police force. As the assailants continued their assaults on vital government buildings, including the capital’s National Palace, the situation deteriorated.
Heavy gunfire occurred outside the National Palace in downtown Port-au-Prince on Monday, adding to the already tense atmosphere. Police ordered the evacuation of the Champ de Mars area.
As a result of the disturbance, Prime Minister Ariel Henry stated on March 12 that he is prepared to resign once a transitional presidential council is formed, suggesting a political climate that is volatile in light of the continuing security issue.
