Haiti’s government on Sunday declared a 72-hour state of emergency after armed gangs stormed a major prison, leading to the deaths of 12 people and the escape of around 4,000 inmates.

BBC News reports that gang leaders want to force the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is currently abroad.

The groups aiming to oust him control around 80% of Port-au-Prince.

A government statement said two prisons – a major one in the capital and another in nearby Croix des Bouquets – were stormed over the weekend.

The latest upsurge in violence began on Thursday, when the prime minister travelled to Nairobi to discuss sending a Kenya-led multinational security force to Haiti.