U.N. Helicopter Hit by Gunfire as Gang Violence Escalates in Haiti
U.N. Helicopter, a Key Player in the Fight Against Gang Violence, Forced to Land After Gunfire Incident
On Thursday, gangs in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, opened fire on a U.N. helicopter, forcing it to make an emergency landing. Despite several rounds of gunfire striking the aircraft, none of the 15 passengers or three crew members aboard were injured. A U.N. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the helicopter, which had just departed from Port-au-Prince, managed to land safely without further incident.
Ongoing Violence in Port-au-Prince and Surrounding Areas
This attack marks a concerning escalation in Haiti’s violence, coming just five months after Port-au-Prince’s main international airport reopened. The airport had been shut down for nearly three months due to previous gang-related incidents. Gangs have also expanded their reach to nearby areas, including Arcahaie, where an attack this week left approximately 50 suspected gang members dead. According to authorities, at least a dozen gunmen drowned after their boat capsized while transporting ammunition.
Wilner Réné from Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency reported that the assault on Arcahaie began on Monday, with gunmen setting homes and vehicles ablaze. As gangs depleted their ammunition, they hid in nearby areas, where police and residents have been working to track them down. Réné emphasized the need for reinforcements from specialized police units and the military as the assault continues.
Gang Coalition Viv Ansanm Behind Recent Attacks
The attacks, reportedly orchestrated by the gang coalition Viv Ansanm, have displaced over 10,000 residents in a week. More than half of these individuals are sheltering in makeshift locations, such as schools, while others are temporarily with family members. A recent report by the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration underscores the strain this displacement has placed on the capital’s resources.
Kenyan-led Peacekeeping Efforts and International Concerns
The resurgence of gang violence in Haiti comes just months after a U.N.-supported mission, led by Kenyan police, began with the goal of curbing the power of gangs controlling over 80% of Port-au-Prince. However, despite the effort, more than 700,000 residents remain displaced, and the violence has claimed thousands of lives. U.S. government officials and top Haitian authorities have voiced concerns over the Kenyan mission’s limited personnel and funding. They advocate for replacing the mission with a fully supported U.N. peacekeeping force to more effectively stabilize the region.
As Haiti confronts this escalating crisis, the international community faces growing pressure to reassess its approach and provide stronger support for restoring stability and security in the nation.