On Monday, two jets from US-based airlines were hit by bullets while flying over Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, leading Haitian authorities to halt all flights in and out of the city due to escalating gang violence.
A Spirit Airlines plane experienced gunfire damage while trying to land in Port-au-Prince, resulting in minor injuries to a crew member. The flight was diverted to the Dominican Republic for inspection, revealing evidence of gunfire damage, prompting the airline to suspend services to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien.
Following the incident, US carriers JetBlue and American Airlines also temporarily canceled flights to and from Haiti. JetBlue extended its flight suspension after discovering bullet damage on one of its planes returning from Haiti.
The incidents occurred on the day Haiti's transitional council swore in a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, who vowed to restore democracy and security in the country.
Haiti has been grappling with widespread gang activity and political turmoil for almost a year, with recent direct violence affecting international entities. Last month, a United Nations helicopter was hit by bullets over Port-au-Prince, and in October, US Embassy vehicles were targeted by gangs.
In late February and early March, coordinated gang attacks forced the closure of the airport and main seaport in Port-au-Prince, disrupting vital supplies of food and aid to Haiti.
Fils-Aimé's appointment as prime minister followed the resignation of Garry Conille, with the transitional council citing concerns over Conille's decision-making and assumption of presidential duties without council approval.
The United States expressed readiness to collaborate with Fils-Aimé and the council but emphasized the need for governance to take precedence over personal political interests.
Conille acknowledged Fils-Aimé's appointment and stressed the importance of unity and solidarity for Haiti's progress.
