Haiti has been gripped by unrest since 2021. But a wave of gang violence in recent weeks, including an incident in which a UN helicopter came under fire, has raised concerns about the situation in the country.
Haiti has been gripped by unrest since 2021. But a wave of gang violence in recent weeks, including an incident in which a UN helicopter came under fire, has raised concerns about the situation in the country.
A UN-backed multinational security support mission to support Haitian police aims to fight gangs, but it’s been an uphill battle
Armed gangs in Haiti opened fire and shot down a UN helicopter on Thursday, forcing it to land in the capital Port-au-Prince.
The Associated Press and other US media reported that the helicopter carrying three crew members and 15 passengers had landed safely in the capital. UN helicopters are essential to deliver food and other aid to millions of Haitians in restricted communities and countries controlled by armed gangs.
There has been no official confirmation of the attack targeting the helicopter, which belongs to the World Food Program of the UN.
But reports like these raise fears that armed gangs are trying to exert even more influence.
Most of Port-au-Prince and its surroundings are under the control of various armed groups that have joined together in a common alliance called Viv Ansanm.
Earlier this month, armed gangs burned several houses in a town about 60 kilometers north of Port-au-Prince.
