Gang Storms Haitian Hospital, Takes Hundreds of Women and Children Hostage
Gang Storms Haitian Hospital, Takes Hundreds of Women and Children Hostage
A heavily armed gang dramatically burst into a hospital in Haiti on Wednesday, seizing control and holding hundreds of women, children, and newborns hostage. The director of the medical center, Jose Ulysse, urgently pleaded for help through social media, revealing the dire situation.
Desperate Plea for Help
Jose Ulysse, the founder and director of the Fontaine Hospital Center located in the sprawling Cite Soleil slum in the capital of Port-au-Prince, confirmed the shocking incident in a brief message exchange with The Associated Press. He expressed, “We are in great difficulty.”
No further details were immediately available, leaving many questions unanswered as to why the assailants resorted to taking innocent patients hostage. Ulysse did not provide any further comments or responses.
The hospital, situated in a community plagued by rampant gang violence, is considered a vital lifeline and a sanctuary for those affected. Civilians residing in Cite Soleil endure routine acts of rape, beatings, and even murder.
Ulysse identified the perpetrators as members of the notorious Brooklyn gang, led by the infamous Gabriel Jean-Pierre, also known as “Ti Gabriel.” Jean-Pierre is not only the leader of the Brooklyn gang but also heads the powerful G-Pep gang alliance, one of two rival coalitions in Haiti.
The Brooklyn gang, consisting of approximately 200 members, exerts control over specific communities within Cite Soleil, including Brooklyn itself. Their activities involve extortion, hijacking, and general violence against innocent civilians, as highlighted in a recent U.N. report.
The report stated, “The G-Pep coalition and its allies have significantly strengthened their cooperation and diversified their sources of income, particularly through ransom kidnappings, which has bolstered their combat capabilities.”
Earlier this year, during an interview with The Associated Press, Ulysse revealed that he had personally been targeted by gangs on two occasions.
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, gangs across Haiti have continued to grow in power, resulting in an alarming increase in kidnappings and killings.
In a similar incident earlier this year, a group of at least 20 armed gang members stormed a hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders, seizing a patient from an operating room. The criminals gained access by fabricating a life-threatening emergency.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Gang Storms Haitian Hospital, Takes Hundreds of Women and Children Hostage appeared first on The Western Journal.
What comprehensive security reforms should the government of Haiti implement to address the underlying issues contributing to violence and insecurity in the country
Wanted in connection with multiple crimes, including drug trafficking and arms smuggling. The gang is known for its brutality and has been responsible for numerous violent incidents in the area.
This brazen attack on a hospital, where innocent women, children, and newborns were seeking medical care, is an alarming escalation of the violence that has plagued Haiti for years. It highlights the utter disregard for human life and the lack of security and law enforcement in the country.
The government of Haiti must take immediate and decisive action to rescue the hostages and bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident further exposes the weakness of the state’s institutions and the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms.
International organizations and neighboring countries should also step in to support Haiti in resolving this crisis. The safety and well-being of innocent civilians should be a priority, and the international community must not turn a blind eye to their suffering.
The hostage situation at the Fontaine Hospital Center is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the people of Haiti on a daily basis. It is a call to action for the international community to address the underlying issues that contribute to such acts of violence and insecurity.
Innocent civilians should not have to live in fear of armed gangs and criminal organizations. Hospitals should be safe havens, not targets of violence. The international community must stand together to support Haiti in building a safer and more stable future for its people.
The situation in Haiti requires an immediate and coordinated response from all stakeholders. It is not enough to condemn these acts of violence; concrete actions must be taken to ensure the safety and security of the Haitian population.
As the world watches and waits for updates on the hostage situation, we must not forget the plight of the Haitian people. They deserve peace, stability, and the freedom to live without fear. Let us hope that this crisis can be resolved swiftly and that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The international community must come together to support Haiti in its quest for a better future. This requires addressing the root causes of violence, strengthening security institutions, and providing humanitarian assistance to those most affected.
The hostage crisis at the Fontaine Hospital Center is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for action. It is time for the world to stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti and work towards a safer and more prosperous future for all.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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