Haiti is “secure” after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse as Suspects are Captured or Killed
7-9 July 2021
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AGN.News) – A nationwide search for the assassins of President Jovenel Moïse (53) has yielded positive results.
An ongoing police operation located four people suspected of carrying out Wednesday’s assassination. They were neutralized by police and died in a shootout with security forces. Two other suspects were captured in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti according to the head of Haiti’s National Police Force.
Chief Léon Charles told reporters in Port-au-Prince that two other suspects, whom he described as “mercenaries,” were arrested during the shootout. Their attempt to overthrow the Haitian Government has failed.
UPDATED July 8: National Police Director Léon Charles told Haiti’s Radio Métropole on Thursday that six people have been arrested and seven killed in gun battles with cops, as more suspects were still being sought.
UPDATED July 9: The assassins who shot President Jovenel Moïse (12 times in his bedroom) and his wife entered Haiti from Columbia.
The hit squad composed mostly of retired Colombian soldiers assassinated Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse on Wednesday at 1:00 am local time this week, police say.
The group included 26 Colombians and two Americans of Haitian origin, police chief Léon Charles told reporters. Eight of the suspects are still on the run, while 17, including the two Americans, have been arrested.
The remaining suspects were shot dead during gun battles with the police in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph declared a state of siege and said he was now in charge of the country. Joseph has appealed for tranquility. “Stay calm. The nation is secure. Let’s look for harmony.”
First Lady Martine Moïse was wounded in the attack at their private residence. She has been airlifted to Miami and was taken to Jackson Health System’s Ryder Trauma Center for treatment for gun shot wounds. She is reportedly in serious but stable condition.
Global leaders and Haitians around the world are calling for unity and peace to strengthen democracy on this island nation, especially at this critical time.
President Biden condemns the attack
A White House statement quoting President Joe Biden said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination – and the attack on First Lady Martine Moïse of Haiti. We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moïse’s recovery.”
President Biden said, “We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moïse’s recovery. The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti.”
More challenges for Haiti to meet
The coronavirus pandemic has been worsening in Haiti in recent weeks. The country is one of only a handful across the world that have not yet started vaccinating its people against the virus.
Haiti has reported more than 19,000 Covid-19 cases and 462 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University CSSE report. Mitigation efforts needs to scaled up dramatically to cope with sharply escalating cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Haiti is facing a dire economic situation. Its economy had been contracting as 60% of the population is now living in poverty, according to the World Bank.
This is an ongoing report, so stay tuned for updates.
ALPHABET GLOBAL NEWS
Reliable. Trusted. Local. News.
On Mobile … Fast!
Written by
AGN.News Team
Disclaimer: This post does not represent the views or viewpoint of the owner of AlpLocal.com, AGN News or its representatives or reporters. Any content which references any person, entity or group with similar names, descriptions, or business interest in any geographical location or similar businesses is merely a coincidence and not directed at said business. AGN News is compiled from submissions by contributors or other sources.
