Nov 3, 2001

Gang's Raid on Haiti Slum Kills Three, Destroys More Than 1,000 Homes

The Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - A gang's attempt to wrest control of the extortion racket in the slums of Haiti's capital turned into a violent raid that destroyed hundreds of homes and caused three deaths.

Armed attackers hurled firebombs and shot at residents Friday morning, thwarting the attempts of firefighters to extinguish the blaze. At least five people were detained, but police could not immediately be reached to confirm any arrests.

Residents said the attacks were part of a turf war between rival gangs, and targeted two brothers who have allegedly demanded protection money for years from merchants in the open-air markets of the La Saline slum.

Most people in the densely populated three-square-block area live in one-room shacks, which the gunmen doused with gasoline and lit ablaze. Between 1,200 and 1,500 homes were destroyed, Fire Chief Jean-Yzel Ladouceur said.

Three people - including a 2-month-old baby - were shot to death, and 17 others were wounded by gunfire, residents said.

A few hours after the attack, people were combing through the cinders. "This is all I have now, this all I could save from my home," said Eril Espiritual, 27, who carried a metal suit hanger.

About 100 residents protested in the street, blaming the government of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide for failing to guarantee their security.

"Down with Aristide! You're not welcome here anymore!" the protesters shouted.

The attackers apparently were after Ronald and Franco Camille, brothers who are said to control the extortion racket in the La Saline markets, resident said. Both escaped without harm.

"They came to kill me and the people are with me, so the assailants made them pay," Franco Camille, 36, told The Associated Press.

Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Ronald Camille for the Sept. 10 slaying of a pro-Aristide activist, but he has remained free.

AP-ES-11-03-01 0612EST

This story can be found at : http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGANA3NBLTC.html

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2001