Information
The United States has temporarily banned civilian flights to Haiti after a Spirit Airlines jet coming from Florida was shot at while approaching Port-au-Prince. The flight was forced to reroute to the Dominican Republic, resulting in minor injuries to a flight attendant. The shooting led to the temporary closure of Port-au-Prince’s airport, Haiti’s main international gateway, further isolating the country. Haiti’s transitional council condemned the attack as a threat to national sovereignty and promised to pursue those responsible, viewing it as an attempt to destabilize the country and damage its international relations.
The incident occurred amid heightened gang violence and political turmoil, as newly appointed Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime took office. Gunfire and unrest followed his swearing-in, with gangs controlling around 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, leading many residents to fear further violence. Haiti has experienced growing instability since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with frequent clashes between gangs and ongoing struggles for political power, as the country lacks a stable government structure.
Source: AFP, AP, Reuters
So what
It is surprising that civilian airlines were still flying to Haiti, noting the levels of violence there over recent months. This is despite UN troops deploying to the country as part of an effort to improve the security situation. It appears highly likely that it will take a considerable effort to bring peace to the country, likely requiring the support of the US or another large Western nation.
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