The Haitian government is moving to request assistance from foreign police forces as the country struggles to contain gang violence that is crippling the nation.

According to government officials, the Haitian government will move to formally request the aid of international forces to help assist in their battle against gangs across the country. On Thursday, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry called for “Haiti’s international partners to help with the immediate deployment of a specialized armed force to address the growing security crisis.”

The move comes as violence in Port-au-Prince and other areas has skyrocketed as gangs continue to battle for territory. In addition, criminals have created blockades of roads and bridges, resulting in fuel being cut off for large areas of the country.

UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Haitian government has not officially asked the international body for security assistance but added, “we remain extremely concerned about the security situation in Haiti, the impact it’s having on the Haitian people, on our ability to do our work, especially in the humanitarian sphere.”