President of Haiti Jovenel Moise Assassinated At His Residence, Alleged Videos Surface

There have been reports of men dressed in black carrying high-powered weapons who may have pretended to be part of a US drug enforcement operation although no official details have been given so far.

New Delhi: The President of Haiti Jovenel Moise was assassinated in the early hours of Wednesday at his home by a commando. Now, a video has surfaced of the same. The interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said that he was now in charge of the country. He also asked the people of Haiti to remain calm. 

An armed commando assassinated President Jovenel Moise at his residence and seriously wounded his wife Martine Moise.

Unidentified gunmen stormed the property at 01:00 local time (10:30 IST), interim PM Claude Joseph said. An alleged video emerged, seems to be shot by someone in the neighbourhood. 

There have been reports of men dressed in black carrying high-powered weapons who may have pretended to be part of a US drug enforcement operation. Another alleged video was shared by Disclose T.V. in which the assailants identified themselves as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents from the United States. No official details have been given so far.

Joseph called the shooting of the President a "heinous, inhuman and barbaric act", saying the attackers were "foreigners who spoke English and Spanish". Haiti's official languages are Creole and French.

There have been no official statements regarding these videos. 

While addressing the nation, Joseph vowed the killers would be brought to justice and said the security situation was "under control". The state of emergency, or "state of siege", allows for the banning of gatherings and use of the military for police roles, along with other extensions of executive powers.

Joseph said that "all measures have been taken to ensure continuity" and that "democracy and the republic will win".

Moise had led Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world, since 2017 but had faced widespread protests demanding his resignation. The nation's recent history has been plagued by coups, political instability, and widespread gang violence.

First Lady Martine Moise is being treated in hospital. Ambassador Edmond said that she was in a critical condition and attempts were being made to transfer her to Miami stated media reports.