Haiti teeters on the brink of collapse after a weekend of explosive violence that saw heavily armed gangs overrun the country's two largest prisons, freeing nearly all 5,400 inmates and leaving the nation in a state of shock and fear.

In a desperate bid to regain control, the Haitian government declared a 72-hour state of emergency and imposed a curfew, but its effectiveness remains uncertain in the face of the overwhelming gang power.

Gangs stormed the National Penitentiary and another facility in Port-au-Prince, dismantling prison barriers and unleashing chaos. The normally overcrowded prisons lie eerily empty, a testament to the audacity and brutality of the attacks.

The prison breaks were just the latest chapter in a relentless escalation of violence. Gangs have targeted state institutions with impunity, attacking the international airport, national stadium, and even the Central Bank, showcasing their growing reach and disregard for authority.

Haiti's understaffed and under-equipped police force, with only 9,000 officers for a nation of over 11 million, finds itself overwhelmed and outgunned by the heavily armed gangs, who are estimated to control a staggering 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry, facing mounting pressure to resign amid accusations of mishandling the crisis, seeks international support, including a UN-backed security force, to quell the violence. However, his efforts are hampered by political gridlock and a lack of public trust.

The US Embassy, citing the rapidly deteriorating security situation, urged all American citizens to leave Haiti immediately and canceled all consular appointments until further notice.

The international community watches with growing concern as Haiti descends deeper into chaos. The Biden administration, while offering financial and logistical support, has steadfastly refused to send troops, highlighting the complexity of intervening in the nation's internal struggles.

The future of Haiti remains uncertain. As the search for escaped prisoners continues and the streets remain tense, the nation grapples with the devastating impact of the violence and the daunting task of restoring stability and order. Whether the government can regain control or whether the gangs continue their reign of terror remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Haiti is at a critical juncture, and the path forward will be fraught with challenges. (ILKHA)