**Background:**

* Haiti has been plagued by gang violence for years, with armed gangs terrorizing the population and controlling large swaths of territory.

* The recent surge in violence began on Thursday, when gangs attacked multiple police stations and killed at least four officers.

* On Friday, gangs attacked the international airport and the national soccer stadium, prompting the US Embassy to urge citizens to leave the country.

**Prison Breakout and State of Emergency:**

* On Sunday, armed gangs stormed Haiti's largest prison, the National Penitentiary, in Port-au-Prince, and freed an estimated 3,500-3,700 inmates.

* The government declared a 72-hour state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew to regain control of the situation.

* Gang leaders are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is currently in Kenya seeking assistance with a UN-backed security force.

**Escalating Violence and Political Turmoil:**

* The prison breakout follows a wave of coordinated gang attacks on state institutions in recent days.

* Gangs are increasingly targeting government buildings and infrastructure, threatening stability.

* Prime Minister Henry has repeatedly postponed plans for elections, leaving Haiti without a functioning government for nearly a decade.

**International Response:**

* The US Embassy in Haiti has urged citizens to leave the country and suspended official travel.

* The Biden administration is monitoring the situation with concern but has not committed to sending troops.

* The UN has called for an end to the violence and urged Haiti to hold free and fair elections.

**Impact on Civilians:**

* The escalating violence has resulted in widespread fear and disruption.

* Schools and businesses are closed, and many neighborhoods are under lockdown.

* Healthcare facilities have stopped operating due to safety concerns.

* Thousands of Haitians have been forced to flee their homes.

**Additional Details:**

* Gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as "Barbecue," has claimed responsibility for the surge in attacks.

* The police union had requested military support to reinforce the prison, but it was not provided.

* Approximately 99 inmates, including former Colombian soldiers accused of involvement in President Moïse's assassination, remained in the prison.

* The bodies of at least 12 people were found at the prison, with some showing signs of gunshot wounds.