In a recent escalation of violence in Haiti, gangs opened fire on a UnitedNations helicopter in Port-au-Prince, forcing an emergency landing. According to reports, the helicopter, which was transporting 15 passengers and three crew members, was struck by several rounds of gunfire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the aircraft managed to land safely. A U.N. source confirmed the incident but was not authorized to provide further details.
This incident marks another flashpoint in Haiti’s capital, which has seen a surge in gang-related violence. The country’s main international airport had just reopened five months ago following a closure prompted by gang attacks. The situation has spilled into nearby regions, including Arcahaie, where an estimated 50 gang members were killed earlier this week. According to a government official, a dozen of those were gunmen who drowned after their boat capsized while transporting ammunition to gang forces attacking the town.
According to AP news, the violence in Arcahaie began on Monday, with gangs burning homes and vehicles, leading to heavy casualties. Wilner Réné, from Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency, stated that the assailants ran out of ammunition and were ultimately captured by residents and police. The situation remains volatile, with local authorities requesting urgent reinforcements from military and special police units.
The attacks are linked to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, which has also launched assaults in Port-au-Prince, displacing over 10,000 people in just one week. A recent report by the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration revealed that more than half of those displaced are sheltering in makeshift camps, including schools, while others stay with relatives.
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