Gang Violence Escalates in Haiti's Capital

Fear Spreads as Gangs Raid Key Community Amid Awaited Foreign Intervention

Gang members have raided Solino, a key community in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, home to numerous police officers, leading to a four-day siege.
Residents are fearful of the violence spreading throughout the city, with gangs estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.
The attack could mark a turning point for gangs, which have been suspected of killing nearly 4,000 people and kidnapping another 3,000 last year.
If Solino falls, gangs would have easy access to neighborhoods such as Canape Vert that have so far remained peaceful and largely safe.
Haiti is awaiting the deployment of a foreign armed force led by Kenya to help quell gang violence, approved by the U.N. Security Council in October, but a judge in Kenya is expected to issue a ruling on January 26 regarding an order currently blocking the deployment.