In a tragic escalation of Haiti's ongoing crisis, at least five agents of the country's armed environmental agency, the Security Brigade for Protected Areas (BSAP), were killed in a shootout with national police in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, as reported by the police trade union.

Haiti police has not yet responded to requests for additional details, including information about potential police casualties during the exchange.

This clash unfolded against a backdrop of widespread Haiti protest, leading up to the promised resignation date of the current unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry on February 7, Reuters reports.

Traditionally, this date marks the inauguration of Haitian presidents.

The recent events transpired amid a grave humanitarian crisis, with Haiti police contending against heavily armed gangs that control a significant portion of Haiti's capital, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes in fear.

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Shooting Details in Port-au-Prince

The fatal shooting occurred in the Laboule community of Port-au-Prince, according to Lionel Lazarre, head of the police union Synapoha.

Lazarre, though not present at the scene, was briefed by involved officers and initially reported four casualties, later updating the count to five.

Lazarre claimed that the environmental agents initiated gunfire after Haiti police instructed them to drop their weapons, leading to retaliatory shots from officers.

Independent verification of this claim is challenging, as the Security Brigade for Protected Areas was unavailable for immediate comment.

Recent scrutiny of the environmental division heightened after clashes between its agents in northern Haiti and the police.

A police official, who remained anonymous and was not present at the scene, corroborated the fatal shootings in a separate interview with the Associated Press.

Garry Desrosiers, the spokesman for Haiti's National Police, has not responded to requests for comments.

Haiti police were observed towing a pickup truck marked with the environmental agency's name and bearing several bullet holes on its windshield.

Clashes were also reported in other parts of Port-au-Prince, with officials dispersing protesters using tear gas and live bullets.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry's Address Amids Haiti Protest

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, facing mounting violent Haiti protest demanding his removal, addressed the nation on Thursday, urging Haitians to unite and "save" the country, according to BBC.

Henry assumed the role just 24 hours before the assassination of former President Moïse and has since been in office, pledging to facilitate delayed elections.

Despite a signed agreement in December 2022, promising elections in 2023, Henry cited escalating gang violence, preventing the realization of free and fair elections.

The failure to conduct elections has left Haiti without any elected government official since January 2023.

The situation has been exacerbated by the return of Guy Philippe, a former Haiti police chief involved in the removal of former President Bertrand Aristide two decades ago.

Philippe, repatriated from the United States, has been actively calling for a rebellion against Prime Minister Ariel Henry, intensifying the already tense atmosphere.

As Haiti grapples with political turmoil, violence, and displacement, the ongoing crisis poses significant challenges to achieving stability and restoring democratic governance.

The international community closely watches developments in the troubled nation, concerned about the repercussions on the welfare of its citizens and regional stability.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Third day of Haiti protests witnesses deadly shootings - From Associated Press