Four die as U.N. troops pour into slum in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Hundreds of U.N. peacekeeping troops stormed a stronghold of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's supporters on Tuesday, seeking control of areas that have become flash points of violence. At least four people were killed.

Shootouts broke out between residents and U.N. troops who rolled into Cite Soleil before dawn, said Damian Onses-Cardona, a spokesman for the U.N. peacekeeping mission.

At least six people were shot in the slum Tuesday, including a 26-year-old woman, a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, all injured during gunfire exchanges between peacekeepers and residents.

Violence has plagued Cite Soleil, a gritty slum outside Port-au-Prince, since September, when Aristide loyalists increased protests to demand his return from exile in South Africa.

Since Aristide fled the country Feb. 29, Haiti's U.S.-backed government has struggled to stem violence committed by gangsters, pro-Aristide gangs, anti-Aristide gangs and former soldiers who led the revolt. The ex-soldiers have grown frustrated with the government, which has yet to formally reinstate the army.

As U.N. troops patrolled Cite Soleil on Tuesday, gunmen tore through a commercial area of the capital, shooting into the air, burning roadside stands and looting. By Tuesday afternoon, at least 19 people had been shot, according to hospital officials and residents.

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