Aristide opposition takes over Haitian city
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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CNN) -- At least five people were killed and 20 wounded when a group opposed to Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide took over one of the country's largest cities Thursday, an opposition leader said.
Gonaives Resistance Front took over and burned the police station in Gonaives, freeing prisoners in the process, and then burned the mayor's home.
GRF leader Buter Metayer declared himself the new chief of police and said his partner, Wynter Etienne, would serve as the city's new mayor.
Metayer also said he might take control of some other cities in northern Haiti.
Thousands of residents of Gonaives took to the streets after the GRF raid in celebration.
Demonstrators there and in several other cities are calling for Aristide's resignation, charging that his administration is corrupt.
The raid in Gonaives was the latest incidence of violence in Haiti.
The security situation in the Caribbean nation began deteriorating in early January when celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the country's independence from France turned violent.
The U.S. government charged that while some Haitian police tried to protect demonstrators, others collaborated with armed gangs that attacked protesters, stole cars and vandalized businesses. More than 50 people have died.
In an interview with CNN that aired Wednesday, Aristide vowed he would not leave office before his term ends in 2007. He denied he has ties to armed gangs who attacked the demonstrators.
