All United Nations flights to Haiti have been suspended following a surge in violence that has severely disrupted air travel and humanitarian efforts in the country.
On Monday, a U.S. Spirit Airlines flight was struck by gunfire while approaching Port-au-Prince, forcing a diversion to the Dominican Republic and injuring a flight attendant. The same day, a JetBlue Airways flight returning from Port-au-Prince was discovered with bullet damage upon its arrival in New York.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, reported that armed groups have taken to the streets of Haiti's capital, resulting in at least 20 clashes and numerous roadblocks. These incidents have led to the closure of Toussaint Louverture International Airport until November 18. Although the port remains operational via sea, road access is currently blocked, further hindering aid distribution.
As a result of the escalating violence, the UN has suspended all its flights, significantly limiting the movement of humanitarian staff and the delivery of essential resources. The postponement includes the delivery of 20 trucks carrying food and medical supplies to the southern regions of Haiti.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that the intensifying violence is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. In addition to flight suspensions, all schools in Port-au-Prince have been closed, and operations providing cash assistance to 1,000 individuals have been canceled.
Dujarric has called for an immediate end to the violence to restore safe and sustained humanitarian access and to protect the residents of Haiti.
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All UN flights to Haiti suspended due to rising violence: spokesperson
cgtn.com
