Police abandon their vehicle during a demonstration that turned violent in which protesters demanded justice for the assassinated President Jovenel Moise in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, July 22, 2021. (PHOTO / AP)

PANAMA CITY - Heavy shootings were heard on Friday in the surroundings of Haiti's national palace in the capital of Port-au-Prince, reported Spain's EFE news agency.

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Haitian armed groups have launched a wave of attacks in the capital since Feb 29, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

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Haiti has been grappling with extensive gang violence for more than two years, which was exacerbated notably after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. Following the government's failure to hold elections by Feb 7, the Caribbean island country has been afflicted with widespread social unrest.