Haiti government prepares to ask for ‘specialized armed force’ from abroad

Prime minister authorized to ask international community to help end blockade of main fuel port that has led to crippling shortages

Haiti's government has authorized the prime minister, Ariel Henry, to ask the international community for a specialized armed force" to address a crisis caused by a blockade of the country's main fuel port that has led to crippling shortages, according to a decree circulating on Friday.

Haiti has ground to a halt since a coalition of gangs blocked the Varreux fuel terminal last month. The lack of gas and diesel has crippled transportation and forced businesses and hospitals to halt operations.