Can't read it? Listen now!
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Violence surged in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, this week with gangs launching several coordinated attacks, including targeting a United Nations helicopter and U.S. diplomatic vehicles. The unrest has left the country grappling with escalating instability, making daily life increasingly dangerous for residents and foreign personnel alike.
On Thursday, a U.N. helicopter was hit by gunfire as it flew over Port-au-Prince, forcing an emergency landing. No injuries were reported among the 18 people aboard, including three crew members and 15 passengers. The helicopter, part of the World Food Programme’s (WFP) humanitarian efforts, sustained multiple bullet holes, although it managed to land safely.
This incident follows the recent wave of gang-related violence across the country, highlighting the worsening security situation. Armed groups, including the notorious “400 Mawozo” and “Chen Mechan,” have tightened their control over key areas in and around the capital, increasingly targeting both local communities and foreign entities.
U.S. Embassy Under Attack
In a separate event, two armored vehicles belonging to the U.S. Embassy were fired upon by gangs near Tabarre, a district home to the U.S. diplomatic mission. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. This attack, however, has prompted U.S. officials to begin evacuating non-essential diplomatic personnel from the capital, citing the growing threat from armed gangs. U.S. authorities have also issued safety alerts for embassy staff, advising them to avoid certain routes and remain cautious in light of the escalating violence.
Increasing Gang Control and Casualties
Haitian gangs, particularly the coalition known as Viv Ansanm, have escalated their attacks on local towns and communities. Earlier this week, in the coastal town of Arcahaie, some 50 suspected gang members were killed after a series of clashes with police. Several gunmen drowned after their boat capsized while attempting to ferry ammunition during an assault on the town, highlighting the dangerous and chaotic nature of the ongoing conflict.
The U.N.’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) released a report this week indicating that more than 10,000 people have been displaced in Port-au-Prince alone due to the violence. Many of the displaced are now seeking refuge in makeshift shelters, including schools and churches, while others are staying with relatives. The growing humanitarian crisis has raised concerns among international organizations, with many struggling to deliver aid amid worsening security conditions.
Haiti Requests UN Peacekeeping Support
In response to the deteriorating situation, Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council, has formally requested that the United Nations upgrade its current security mission in the country to a full-fledged peacekeeping operation. This request aims to bolster Haiti’s capacity to address gang violence, which has spiraled out of control in recent months. Voltaire argued that additional logistical and financial support from the international community is crucial to restoring stability.
Impact on International Travel and Aid
The security situation in Haiti has also begun to impact international flights. Following the helicopter incident, U.S. airlines, including JetBlue and American Airlines, are considering suspending their operations at Port-au-Prince’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport once again. Last March, these airlines halted their flights for nearly three months due to gang violence near the airport, only resuming operations after a temporary decrease in violence.
The ongoing turmoil has severely affected humanitarian efforts, with WFP flights now grounded and many roads rendered impassable due to gang blockades and attacks. The WFP and other international organizations have emphasized that safe transport is essential to delivering food, medical supplies, and other aid to Haitians, particularly in regions most affected by the violence.
Haiti’s capital continues to be engulfed in gang-related violence, with growing attacks on foreign and local entities. As calls for international intervention grow louder, the country faces an urgent need for reinforced security measures to protect its citizens and restore order. In the meantime, humanitarian organizations are grappling with limited access to the areas most in need of assistance.
