Haiti: Violence surge may signal gangs bracing for tougher security operations

An upsurge in violence in Haiti could be in anticipation of more “assertive operations” by the recently formed UN-backed Gang Suppression Force as rival gangs in the beleaguered Caribbean Island nation fight for control of territory and resources.Gangs control the vast majority of the capital Port-au-Prince, and terrorize the population with murder, rape and kidnapping for ransom.Some 1.5 million Haitians have been driven from their homes by the gangs.The UN Designated Expert on Human Rights in Haiti, William O’Neill, is a frequent visitor to the country.UN News’s Daniel Dickinson asked him what is driving the increase in violence.