Haiti's Tense Skies: Gangs, Politics, and Power Vacuums

Haiti's Airport closure follows gangs shooting at a commercial flight, marking heightened unrest as a new interim prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, takes office. Amid political chaos, airlines have suspended flights, and gangs expand control, worsening humanitarian conditions. The political infighting hinders efforts for peace and stability.

Haiti's only international airport was abruptly shut down after a commercial flight bound for Port-au-Prince came under fire from gangs, raising alarms about the escalating unrest. The incident has led to some airlines suspending their operations temporarily as the country recently swore in a new interim prime minister.

The Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale narrowly avoided disaster as it was shot at mere moments before landing. The shooting, which injured a flight attendant, prompted the plane's diversion to the Dominican Republic. This violence is part of what U.S. authorities describe as gang efforts to stifle travel in and out of the capital.

The political scene remains tumultuous in Haiti, with gangs controlling large swathes of the capital and political leaders embroiled in infighting. The newly sworn-in Prime Minister Fils-Aimé has called for peace while political discord and power struggles continue, complicating relief efforts in the crisis-ridden Caribbean nation.

(With inputs from agencies.)