Haiti’s international airport temporarily shut down on Monday, Nov. 11, as gangs reportedly started shooting at a Spirit Airlines flight in Port-au-Prince. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries in the incident. The violence unfolded as official swore in a new prime minister.
The bullets hit the plane as the crew attempted to make a landing in Haiti’s capital before redirecting to the Dominican Republic, where it safely touched down.
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Spirit told the BBC it has halted further flights to Haiti “pending further evaluation.”
United States officials believe gangs targeted the plane to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince. In other parts of Haiti, gun battles continue to break out between gangs and police.
Gang members also set fire to homes in some neighborhoods and schools closed as fears of more violence grew.
The unrest comes a day after a transitional council fired Haiti’s interim prime minister, replacing him with a businessman as three members of the council stand accused of corruption.
The interim council had hired Gary Conille six months ago but had been at odds with him for quite some time, leading to his termination.
Gangs have seized on political turmoil in the past by shutting down airports and shipping ports as Haiti’s government continues infighting.
U.S. officials warn if political upheaval continues Haiti could fall under complete gang control.
