Originally: Haitian radio reports shootout between gunmen, UN force in Port-au-Prince
At 1800 gmt on 31 May Haitian Signal Radio reported that about 200 heavily armed bandits had created panic in the Cite Militaire area, shooting at members of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti, Minustah, and forcing them to withdraw.
The radio also reported panic on Avenue Poupelard where shooting was heard. At 1845 gmt reporter Fenelon said that there was shooting in the vicinity of the National Palace and panic near the Palace and Champ de Mars.
Fenelon said he had observed that Minustah soldiers were being deployed near the National Palace.
Fenelon said there had been an exchange of gunfire between the policemen and the bandits.
He also said that every now and then he heard shooting from the Champ de Mars area. Signal Radio also reported that Marche Tete-Boeuf, a large public market, had been completely burned down.