A heavily armed gang has kidnapped a senior Haitian security official in the capital Port-au-Prince, plunging the country into a fresh security crisis. The official, whose identity is being withheld for safety, was taken from his vehicle in the Delmas neighbourhood on Tuesday afternoon. Witnesses described a coordinated assault with multiple gunmen blocking the road before dragging the official from his car.
The kidnapping comes as British diplomats remain on standby amid fears that foreign nationals could become targets. The Foreign Office has not yet confirmed reports that British officials are preparing for a possible evacuation, but sources in the embassy say contingency plans are being reviewed. This latest attack underlines the collapse of state authority in Haiti, where gangs now control an estimated 80% of the capital.
The UK government is urging all British citizens in the country to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. For the people of Haiti, this is yet another blow to any hope of stability. The price of bread has doubled in the last month as food convoys are attacked daily.
Meanwhile, union leaders in the UK are watching closely, worried that this kind of lawlessness could spread to other fragile states. The international community must act before the situation spirals further. The Foreign Secretary is expected to make a statement later today.
