Armed gangs, taking control of the capital...150 deaths in Haiti in a week

At least 150 people have been killed in Haiti, where armed gangs control most of the capital, in the past week.

"The gang has raised the level of activity to take full control of the capital, Port-au-Prince," said Volker Türk, the U.N. chief human rights official. "Four million people left in the capital are effectively held hostage."

The U.N. estimated that at least 150 people died in a week and 20,000 more fled their homes to avoid the violence.

Reuters earlier reported that at least 25 bodies had been identified in residential areas near Port-au-Prince.

Most of the dead are gang members, who are said to have engaged in armed conflict with police.

As violence, including murder, looting and arson, has become commonplace, the international aid group Doctors Without Borders has decided to suspend its activities in Port-au-Prince.

"With even law enforcement a direct threat, we are suspending activities at five healthcare facilities until we can meet the conditions to ensure healthcare staff and patient safety," Doctors Without Borders said in a statement.