Brace yourselves, travelers! ✈️ The United Nations has suspended all flights to Haiti due to escalating violence in the country. Things are heating up in the streets of Port-au-Prince, and it's affecting everyone from locals to international organizations.
On Monday, a commercial flight from U.S. Spirit Airlines had quite the scare when it was struck by gunfire while approaching the Haitian capital. Talk about a close call! 😱 The flight was diverted to the Dominican Republic, and thankfully, everyone is safe, though a flight attendant was injured.
In another incident the same day, a JetBlue Airways flight returning from Port-au-Prince landed in New York with bullet damage. Yikes! 🛬🔫
According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, armed groups have taken over the streets of the capital. With at least 20 armed clashes reported and roadblocks popping up everywhere, getting around the city is a no-go. 🚧
The Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince is closed until November 18. While the port is open by sea, road access is pretty much impossible right now. So, the UN has put a pause on all flights, making it tough to get humanitarian aid where it's needed most.
The situation is putting a major strain on an already tough humanitarian crisis. Schools are closed, and operations providing cash assistance to 1,000 people had to be canceled. Not cool, violence! 😔
Dujarric is urging for an end to the chaos so that help can reach those in need. \"We need safe, sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as the protection of people,\" he said.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let's hope peace returns to Haiti soon. 💙🇭🇹
Reference(s):
All UN flights to Haiti suspended due to rising violence: spokesperson
cgtn.com
