Translated from NOS https://nos.nl/l/2544174
Haiti closes airport after shooting of American passenger flight by gangs
In Haiti, the international airport is temporarily closed after gang attacks yesterday opened fire on a plane trying to land on the airport. An employee on board was slightly injured. It was an aircraft, which had departed from the American state of Florida then diverted to the Dominican Republic.
There were clashes between police and police in other parts of the city today gangs. Houses and several schools were also set on fire and have been closed.
It is the second incident within a few weeks. Last month an UN helicopter flying over Port-au-Prince was shot at by gangs. The occupants were not injured.
The US embassy in Haiti says it is aware of the closure of the airport. The situation in the country is "unpredictable and dangerous," the embassy writes. "Travel is at your own risk. The US government cannot guarantee your safety if you visit airports, borders or further destinations." Due to ongoing violence, the embassy will be partially closed tomorrow.
Prison storming
Haiti has been in crisis for years, due to natural disasters, political instability and gang violence. In 2021, President Moïse became assassinated, after which interim Prime Minister Henry came to power. Since the murder there have been no elections in the country for the president.
At the beginning of this year, thousands of detainees escaped in the capital Port-au-Prince, after the prison was stormed. There were also several government buildings and police stations attacked. The international airport was then taken over by the gangs. For several months the airport was closed.
UN mission
The then Prime Minister Henry was in Kenya at the time for consultations about a UN mission to control gang violence. Due to the explosion of violence in the country, he was unable to return. The gang leaders demanded his immediate resignation. Not long after, Henry resigned.
Yesterday it was announced that his successor Conille was also less than six months later his appointment as prime minister has been dismissed. The transitional council now has businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aimé appointed as the new Prime Minister.
This nine-member council, together with the Prime Minister, has the task of developing new ones organize national elections. This must be done before February 7, 2026 to happen. The council is plagued by internal and political strife. Like this several members are accused of corruption in a report.
According to UN estimates, the gangs control about 85 percent of the capital in hand. Nearly 4,900 people have died as a result of the violence came. Tens of thousands of others have fled.
This video explains more about the background of gang violence in Haiti: https://nos.nl/l/2544174