MSF says ambulance patients killed in Haiti attack

In MSF’s statement, the condition of the third patient is unclear. However, the group said ambulance personnel were also attacked by “law enforcement officers and members of self-defense groups” in the incident.

MSF said staff were “violently attacked, insulted, tear gassed, threatened with death” and held hostage for more than four hours before being released. The reason behind the attack is unclear.

“This act is a shocking display of violence and calls into serious question MSF’s ability to continue providing necessary care to the people of Haiti,” said Christophe Garnier, the group’s head of mission in the country.

MSF, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, is one of the last humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) still operating in Haiti, where violent chaos has gripped the capital.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, armed gangs have seized power in many regions, leading to a rise in street violence in America’s poorest country.

Last month’s UN Security Council briefing heard that criminal gangs had taken control of 85 percent of the capital.

More than 3,600 people have been killed in Haiti since January and more than 500,000 have been forced to flee their homes, according to the UN.

The UN sent an international police operation to Haiti, consisting largely of Kenyan police. The mission is said to have secured some key sites in the capital, including the national hospital, port and airport.

However, many US airlines suspended flights to the country this week after three planes were hit by gunfire while approaching or leaving the airport.

A new prime minister took office in Haiti earlier this week. Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said her priority was to “restore security” in the country.