In the wake of escalating Haiti gang violence and a mass prison escape, Haiti's government declared a state of emergency on Sunday, signaling a dire security situation that has gripped the Caribbean nation for months.

Finance Minister Patrick Boivert, acting as prime minister, cited the deteriorating security conditions, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to CNN>

The violence includes kidnappings, citizen killings, assaults on women and children, and rampant looting.

The unrest reached a critical point with armed group attacks on Haiti's two largest prisons over the weekend, leading to the escape of dangerous prisoners and resulting in casualties among police and prison staff.

According to a United Nations source, approximately 3,500 prisoners broke free from the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince out of the 3,687 initially housed.

Gangs, controlling about 80% of the capital, have demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whose current whereabouts remain unknown after his trip to Kenya.

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Haiti Gangs Violence Takes Hold

Haiti has long grappled with persistent gang violence, but the recent surge has reached alarming levels.

Gangs have effectively gained control over a significant portion of Port-au-Prince, causing widespread fear and disruption.

Following the state of emergency announcement, the government instituted an immediate nighttime curfew starting at 20:00 local time, as acts of "disobedience" were deemed a threat to national security.

Police stations faced attacks, diverting authorities' attention before the coordinated assault on prisons.

Serge Dalexis from the International Rescue Committee reported that many police stations were under gang control, resulting in numerous police casualties over the weekend, BBC reports.

Among the detainees were individuals linked to the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, further intensifying the prevailing violence.

Since Moïse's assassination in 2021, gang violence has escalated, and political instability has persisted.

The absence of a replacement for Moïse and the delay in holding presidential elections since 2016 have fueled the turmoil.

Gangs have fortified their strongholds in shantytowns, creating barricades to impede security forces.

Schools and businesses remain closed, with reports of looting in certain neighborhoods, leaving the streets empty and citizens in fear.

The latest surge in violence, triggered by Prime Minister Ariel Henry's trip to Nairobi to discuss a multinational security force, has led to the displacement of 15,000 people from their homes in Port-au-Prince.

Many have sought refuge in a school building, receiving only limited hygiene kits from aid organizations like Food for the Hungry.

However, the organization faces challenges in meeting the growing complexity of needs, emphasizing the urgency of humanitarian assistance.

Boby Sander from Food for the Hungry highlighted the inadequacy of resources to address the escalating crisis.

"We don't have adequate capacity to deal with the complexity of the need increasing," he stated. With the streets deserted and citizens seeking refuge in makeshift shelters, the humanitarian situation is reaching critical levels.

Airport Attack Marks Unprecedented Violence

In an alarming turn of events, heavily armed gangs targeted Haiti's main international airport, Toussaint Louverture International Airport, on Monday.

This marked the largest attack in the airport's history, with gangs exchanging gunfire with police and soldiers, AP noted.

The airport was closed at the time of the attack, preventing any planes from operating or passengers from being present.

Armored vehicles were deployed to the tarmac, engaging in a firefight to prevent the Haiti gangs from breaching the airport grounds.

Associated Press journalists witnessed the chaos, capturing the intensity of the situation as employees and workers fled amid the gunfire.

This incident follows a previous week where the airport faced brief gunfire but remained unpenetrated.

The airport attack unfolded shortly after authorities imposed a nighttime curfew in response to the violence that saw armed gangs overrun two major prisons, facilitating the escape of thousands of inmates.

A 72-hour state of emergency commenced Sunday night as the government vowed to track down the escaped prisoners, including those in pre-trial detention for serious crimes.

As Haiti grapples with this unprecedented wave of violence, the government faces the daunting task of restoring order, ensuring the safety of its citizens, and addressing the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold.

The international community closely watches, ready to respond to the urgent needs of the beleaguered nation.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: State of emergency declared in Haiti amid escalating violence, prison breaks - From CBS News