Airlines Suspend Flights to Haiti Amid Escalating Gang Violence
Several airlines have suspended flights to Haiti following a recent incident where a Spirit Airlines plane was struck by gunfire while attempting to land in Port-au-Prince. This marked the second such event in as many weeks amidst escalating gang violence in the capital. The flight, traveling from Fort Lauderdale, was diverted to the Dominican Republic after a flight attendant was grazed by a bullet. Fortunately, no passengers were harmed.
In response to the growing security concerns, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, and JetBlue have halted operations to Haiti. The Security situation remains uncertain, exacerbated by ongoing gang violence including an attack on a UN helicopter and threats against commercial flights.
The recent appointment of a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, has raised hopes for renewed efforts to restore security. He has vowed to address the deteriorating conditions in the country, which has seen over 4,900 fatalities this year due to violence. The political instability has left nearly 700,000 people displaced, with significant portions of the population facing extreme hunger.
A UN-backed policing mission involving officers from Kenya is underway to help stabilize the situation, following calls for enhanced international support amid the crisis. Reports indicate that armed gangs control approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, leading to an urgent humanitarian situation.
Locally, incidents of extreme brutality have been reported, with UN data revealing 1,745 casualties due to gang-related violence between July and September. This troubling rise reflects the severe law and order issues affecting daily life in Haiti, and efforts to restore peace are needed now more than ever.
Haiti: Airlines suspend flights as Spirit plane hit by gunfire
It is the second time in weeks an aircraft has come under fire over Port-au-Prince, as gang violence worsens.
www.bbc.com
Airlines halt flights to Haiti after plane hit by gunfire
Spirit Airlines flight heading from Florida to Port-au-Prince diverted to Dominican Republic after flight attendant was grazed by bullet, amid broader
www.theguardian.com
Haiti swears in new prime minister as airliner hit by gunfire
All flights in and out of Port-au-Prince airport halted after Spirit Airlines jet struck by gunfire, injuring flight attendant.
www.scmp.com
Garry Conille: Haiti's prime minister ousted after six months
The former UN official was brought in to lead Haiti through an ongoing, gang-led security crisis.
www.bbc.com
US to evacuate 20 embassy staff from Haiti following car attack and intensifying gang violence, say sources | CNN
**Website Content Description:**In a significant response to rising insecurity in Haiti, the United States is evacuating up to 20 non-emergency staff
www.cnn.comHaiti says it supports a UN peacekeeping mission to fight the country's violent gangs
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council announced Thursday that he supports a U.N. peacekeeping missio
apnews.com
Convent of Mother Teresa's missionaries looted and burned in Haiti - ZENIT - English
The convent had provided free medical care to nearly 1,500 inpatients and 30,000 outpatients each year, fulfilling a vital role in one of Haiti’s most
zenit.org
World News in Brief: Haiti latest, plastic tide in Samoa, Bakery boost in Ukraine, arbitrary detention in Mexico
The crisis in Haiti continues to deteriorate as violence escalates across the country. According to the UN human rights office on Friday, between Janu
news.un.org
Haiti’s gangs inflict ‘extreme brutality’ as casualties rise – UN report
Gang-fueled violence caused 1,745 casualties between July and September; police accused of summary executions, UN says.
www.aljazeera.com