Gang assault in Haiti kills 2 journalists and injures others during coverage of hospital reopening.

In a devastating turn of events, two reporters were tragically killed and several others wounded in a gang attack on Tuesday during the reopening of Port-au-Prince's largest public hospital. The situation in Haiti's capital has become dire, with street gangs now controlling an estimated 85% of the city. This has resulted in the closure of the General Hospital earlier this year, leaving many citizens without access to proper medical care.

The authorities had promised to reopen the hospital on Tuesday, but as journalists gathered to cover the event, chaos ensued. Suspected gang members opened fire in a brutal Christmas Eve attack, leaving journalists and police among the victims. Robest Dimanche, a spokesperson for the Online Media Collective, confirmed the deaths of reporters Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. He also stated that an unspecified number of other journalists were injured in the attack, which was carried out by the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs.

Haiti's interim president, Leslie Voltaire, addressed the nation and expressed his condolences to all those affected by the attack. He made it clear that this heinous crime would not go unpunished. A video posted online by the trapped reporters showed two lifeless bodies on stretchers, one of them wearing a press credential around his neck. It was a harrowing scene that further highlighted the danger that journalists face in Haiti.

Initial reports from Radio Télé Métronome claimed that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the attack. However, there has been no official confirmation from the authorities. The violence in Port-au-Prince has escalated to the point where gangs now control a large portion of the city, including the main international airport and two of the largest prisons. This has led to a state of fear and uncertainty for the citizens of Haiti.

Despite the promises of authorities, the hospital reopening was met with opposition from the gangs. As reporters were inside the building, they suddenly found themselves under attack. Disturbing videos posted online showed journalists lying wounded on the floor, a terrifying sight that could not be immediately verified. The most powerful gang leader in Haiti, Johnson "Izo" André, known for his involvement in the Viv Ansanm coalition, claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media video.

This is not the first time that journalists have been targeted in Haiti. In 2023, two local journalists lost their lives in a matter of weeks. The violence has also taken its toll on the healthcare system, with hospitals and pharmacies being looted, vandalized, and set on fire. This has resulted in a surge of patients and a shortage of resources to treat them, causing the healthcare system to teeter on the brink of collapse.

In July, former Prime Minister Garry Conille visited the General Hospital after it was regained from the control of gangs. The state of the hospital was devastating, with debris and bullet holes covering the walls and nearby buildings. The hospital, located across from the national palace, has been a battleground in recent months. The constant violence has not only affected the physical structure of the hospital, but it has also created a dangerous environment for both patients and medical staff.

As the rainy season approaches, the situation in Haiti becomes even more precarious. Poor conditions in camps and makeshift settlements increase the risk of water-borne diseases, such as cholera. According to UNICEF, there have already been over 84,000 suspected cases in the country. The people of Haiti are facing unimaginable challenges, and it is a tragic reality that the violence and chaos caused by street gangs have only added to their suffering.

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