Haitian Hospital Under Siege: Armed Gang Holds Hundreds Hostage

A heavily armed gang surrounded Fontaine Hospital Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, trapping women, children, and newborns inside until police arrived and rescued them. The hospital, considered an oasis in a community overrun by gangs, has been targeted due to its location in the Cite Soleil slum. Gangs have been torching homes and preventing people from leaving. The hospital's founder and director, Jose Ulysse, called for help, and the National Police evacuated 40 children and 70 patients to a safer area. The responsible gang, led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre, is known as the Brooklyn gang and is involved in extortion, hijacking, and violence. Gangs in Haiti have grown more powerful since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, leading to an increase in kidnappings and killings.