The Haitian National Police (PNH) is intensifying its operations in several strategic areas of the capital. The Haitian National Police (PNH) is intensifying its operations in several strategic areas of the capital. Images released by the police institution and by some residents show progress in the reconquest of downtown Port-au-Prince. Through videos, which have gone viral on social media, one can observe a devastated city center after months of dominance by armed gangs over these vital sectors.
The images paint a striking picture: gutted buildings, looted structures, and vegetation invading deserted streets. The heart of Port-au-Prince resembles a city emerging from a war or a natural disaster. However, in this landscape of desolation, law enforcement is moving forward. Units are now patrolling several downtown thoroughfares such as Grand-Rue, avenue N, Pont Saint-Gérard, avenue Jean-Paul II, Marché Salomon, and rue Oswald Durand, among others. In the latter area, the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy visibly bears the scars of the abuses committed by the bandits.
Beyond controlling the streets, the PNH announced the takeover of several major public and private buildings. Following images shown a few days ago of police presence within the Faculty of Human Sciences, INAGHEI, and IERAH, located on avenue Christophe, more recent images have emerged of the Radio Télévision Caraïbes building. Beyond security operations, the shared images capture moments charged with emotion as some residents gradually return to areas that were long inaccessible. Returning to see the state of their homes, often reduced to remnants, these inhabitants embody both the pain of loss and the will to rebuild. In some areas, the findings are particularly alarming, with a landscape of almost total destruction witnessing the brutality of the armed groups.
Alongside the security operations, cleaning scenes have been observed in several recently recovered areas. Residents and ground teams are working to clear debris, open up streets overgrown with vegetation, and remove the rubble accumulated over months of armed occupation. These efforts, though still modest given the scale of the damage, nevertheless demonstrate a will for an effective reconquest of the city center.
