"Gangs' Reign of Violence Escalates in Haiti's Capital"

Armed gangs launched new attacks in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with heavy gunfire echoing across once-peaceful communities, leaving at least five dead and prompting pleas for help from the understaffed national police force. The U.S. State Department completed its first evacuation of American citizens from Port-au-Prince, with more than 15 airlifted to the Dominican Republic, while a plane chartered by the Florida Department of Emergency Management evacuated 14 Florida residents. The violence, including recent attacks in upscale neighborhoods, has forced closures of banks, schools, and businesses, and led to the release of over 4,000 inmates from prisons. Amid the chaos, Caribbean officials are working to form a transitional presidential council, with the last remaining party accepting a seat, as Haitians await the possibility of new leadership.