Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Tragedy struck on Christmas morning as heavily armed gangs launched a deadly attack on the much-anticipated reopening of a key hospital in Haiti’s capital, leaving at least 12 people dead and several others injured. The assault has deepened the crisis in the Caribbean nation already grappling with political instability and unchecked violence.
The hospital, located in the Delmas district of Port-au-Prince, had been closed for months due to security concerns and resource shortages. Its reopening was seen as a beacon of hope for thousands of residents in need of critical medical care. However, the joyous occasion turned into a nightmare as gunfire erupted during the ceremony.
Witnesses reported chaos as staff, patients, and attendees scrambled for safety. “It was a massacre,” said a local nurse, who narrowly escaped. “They didn’t care about anyone’s life. People came for hope, and now they’re gone.”
Local authorities suspect the attack was carried out by a gang seeking to assert control over the area. Gangs have increasingly wielded power in Haiti, exploiting the government’s weakened state. Over 60% of the capital is believed to be under their control, with attacks on civilians becoming disturbingly common.
The international community has condemned the attack. The United Nations issued a statement calling it “an abhorrent act against humanity,” urging Haitian authorities to ensure justice. However, citizens remain skeptical, citing the government’s inability to curb gang violence in the past.
This latest atrocity underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where over 5 million people are in urgent need of assistance. The attack on the hospital is a grim reminder of the challenges faced by aid organizations and medical workers trying to serve the vulnerable population.
As grief grips the nation, calls for international intervention to restore law and order in Haiti are growing louder. For now, the families of the victims are left to mourn, hoping for a future where such senseless violence is no longer a daily reality.
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