Armed groups targeted 3 aircraft in 24 hours; American ban will last 30 days
The United States Federal Aviation Administration () banned flights to Haiti for 30 days this Tuesday (12.Nov.2024), after armed groups attacked 3 commercial planes in Port-au-Prince.
A flight attendant suffered minor injuries when the aircraft was shot during landing in the Haitian capital on Monday (11.Nov.2024). JetBlue and American Airlines also confirmed damage to their aircraft after inspection.
Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council sent police and military to the airport area and classified the attacks as “heinous crime that threatens the sovereignty and security of the country“.
According to the United Nations (), armed groups control more than 80% of Port-au-Prince. Between January and June this year, the country recorded 3,600 homicides and 1,100 kidnappings.
The security crisis coincides with political changes in the Caribbean country. The 52-year-old businessman took over as 1st minister on the 2nd (11.Nov.2024), replacing Garry Conille. Haiti has not held elections since 2016 and has not had an elected leader since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021.
Armed groups control more than 80% of Port-au-Prince and Haiti’s main highways, amid the escalation of violence in the country. The capital recorded new shootings this Tuesday, paralyzing school activities and the international airport, whose officials informed the AFP who only resume work on November 18th.
The impact of violence increases the humanitarian crisis in the country of 11.6 million inhabitants, warned the UN Secretary-General. According to a United Nations report, Haiti recorded more than 3,600 homicides and 1,100 kidnappings between January and June of this year.
The United States, the main funder of the international security force in Haiti, called on the new government to “clearly define” responsibilities between the prime minister and the transitional council. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller highlighted the need to maintain credibility with the Haitian people and the international community.
