Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is gripped by escalating violence as gangs intensify their attacks, capitalizing on the country’s ongoing political turmoil. Tensions soared Wednesday as residents fled in panic amidst the latest surge in violence.
Doctors Without Borders reported a disturbing incident in which a combination of police and vigilantes targeted one of their ambulances, puncturing its tires, tear-gassing medical staff, and even executing at least two patients.
Haitians, who have long endured instability, are now witnessing a dangerous power struggle as gangs exploit the political vacuum. The crisis deepened after the transitional government ousted interim Prime Minister Garry Conille on Sunday, swiftly replacing him with businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.
Meanwhile, gangs targeted U.S. airlines, firing at three different planes—Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines—during takeoff and landing in Port-au-Prince. One flight attendant was injured, and the Spirit aircraft sustained bullet damage.
In response, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed a 30-day flight ban for U.S. airlines to Haiti, with American Airlines halting operations until February. The United Nations followed suit, suspending flights to Port-au-Prince and limiting humanitarian access to the embattled nation.
This latest wave of violence has once again isolated Haiti from much of the international community, exacerbating the country’s already dire humanitarian crisis. The nation teeters on the brink of famine, with critical aid and personnel severely restricted.
“The escalating violence must end to ensure safe, continuous humanitarian access,” said U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric on Tuesday.
