On Sunday, the Haitian government announced a 72-hour state of emergency following a violent incursion by armed gangs into a significant Port-au-Prince prison. The breach resulted in a death toll of at least 12 individuals, with approximately 3,700 inmates escaping during the chaotic jailbreak.

The immediate implementation of a 72-hour state of emergency was declared, with the government expressing its commitment to locating and apprehending the perpetrators, including killers, kidnappers, and other violent criminals who were reported to have escaped during the assaults.

Expressing a call for assistance, a union representing Haitian police conveyed a message on social media, featuring an "SOS" emoji repeated eight times. The message urged the mobilization of both the army and police forces to prevent criminals from breaching the prison.

Members of the gang took over two police stations, leading to civilians fleeing in fear and compelling the closure of businesses and schools.

The United Nations reports that Haiti's National Police, comprising approximately 9,000 officers, is tasked with ensuring security for a population of over 11 million. These officers consistently find themselves overpowered and outgunned by formidable gangs, believed to dominate as much as 80% of Port-au-Prince.

According to the United Nations, Haiti's National Police, with around 9,000 officers, is responsible for maintaining security for a population exceeding 11 million. These officers regularly face the challenges of being overwhelmed and outmatched by powerful gangs, estimated to have control over up to 80% of Port-au-Prince.