A U.N. helicopter carrying 18 people, including three crew members, was forced to land in Port-au-Prince after being hit by gunfire from gangs. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, which occurred after the helicopter had departed from the capital. The attack marks an escalation of violence in Haiti’s capital as gang activity surges once again. The helicopter managed to land safely despite being struck by several rounds.
This incident took place amid a broader wave of violence that has affected not only Port-au-Prince but surrounding areas as well. In Arcahaie, a coastal town near the capital, around 50 suspected gang members were killed after attempting an assault.
Among the dead were a dozen gunmen who drowned when their boat capsized while transporting ammunition. The violence in Arcahaie began earlier in the week, with gunmen setting fire to homes and vehicles, prompting a response from local residents and police.
UN Helicopter Attacked by Gangs Amid Escalating Violence in Haiti, Lands Safely with No Injuries
The situation in Arcahaie remains volatile, with continued clashes between gangs and security forces. Local officials have called for urgent reinforcements, including soldiers and specialized police units, to help control the situation. The attack in Arcahaie has been attributed to the gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm, which has also been responsible for recent violence in Port-au-Prince, displacing more than 10,000 people in just one week.
The increase in violence comes despite a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police that was deployed to curb gang-related activities. However, the gangs maintain control over more than 80% of Port-au-Prince, and the security situation has deteriorated further, leaving over 700,000 people homeless and resulting in thousands of deaths. The U.N. mission has struggled to contain the violence, raising concerns about its effectiveness.
In light of the escalating crisis, U.S. and Haitian officials have expressed doubts about the ability of the Kenyan-led mission to manage the situation. They are calling for it to be replaced with a U.N. peacekeeping mission, which they believe would have more resources and personnel to address the growing threat posed by the gangs.
