Port-au-Prince Airport Reopens Amid Ongoing Violence in Haiti
The Port-au-Prince airport, the capital of Haiti, has reopened after nearly a month of inactivity, triggered by a violent incident involving US airlines. The airport was closed on November 12 after three planes came under fire from bullets amid clashes between Haitian security forces and local criminal gangs. As a precautionary measure, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on US airline transit from the airport, which remains in effect until at least Friday.
In response to the escalating violence, the interim government has boosted security around the airport. This includes an increased presence of local police and military personnel, along with additional police officers from Kenya, who are part of an international United Nations mission aimed at stabilizing the region.
Haiti has faced nearly a year of turmoil, particularly in its capital, where violent clashes between law enforcement and gangs have become commonplace. These criminal organizations have taken control over significant portions of Port-au-Prince, instilling fear in the local population and forcing many to flee their homes.
The situation deteriorated further at the end of 2023, leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry due to the widespread unrest. The current government, appointed by a transitional presidential council in mid-November, is led by entrepreneur Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.
This challenges Haiti's stability, as the violence necessitated the closure of the airport previously between March and May of the same year, illustrating a recurring crisis in transportation due to safety concerns.
As the international community watches closely, the UN's involvement in Haiti is also under scrutiny, with questions surrounding their ongoing presence amidst increasing calls for support to restore peace and security in the region.
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