29 Feb 2024 | 11:19 PM UTC
Haiti: Surge in gang violence causes disruptions to traffic, flights, and business operations in Port-au-Prince Feb. 29
Gang violence causes disruptions to traffic, flights, and business operations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Feb. 29; police deploy across city.
A surge in gang violence affected Port-au-Prince Feb. 29, causing disruptions to ground transport, business operations, diplomatic services, and flights at the capital's Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP). G9 gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as "Barbecue," has claimed responsibility for reported shooting attacks targeting police facilities and locations near PAP; gunfire reportedly struck aircraft on the airport's tarmac. Many businesses in the capital had closed by midday amid the violence. The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince also limited its operations due to the unrest, citing heavy gunfire, barricades, and traffic disruptions in the vicinity of Boulevard 15 du Octobre and Rue Tapage. Police have deployed throughout the capital in response to the violence. The gunfire has left at least one police officer wounded; additional casualties may be reported over the coming hours.
Multiple airlines, including American Airlines (AA) and Haiti-based Sunrise Airways (S6), canceled flights to and from Port-au-Prince due to the violence. Additional airlines may delay, cancel. or otherwise modify scheduled flights to and from Port-au-Prince over the short term.
Additional flare-ups of gang violence are possible in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas over the coming days and may cause widespread disruptions to transport and business.
Avoid areas affected by significant gang violence. Maintain heightened vigilance if operating in Port-au-Prince. Prepare for lingering disruptions to ground transport, flights, business operations, and diplomatic services. Consider making alternative arrangements for time-sensitive travel. Leave the area immediately if violence erupts nearby; if unable to do so, take refuge in a secure building until it is safe to depart. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and your home government.
The violence comes as Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry visits Kenya for negotiations regarding a UN-backed multinational security deployment in Haiti. Cherizier (Barbecue) claimed that the Feb. 29 attacks were intended to target government officials, including Haitian National Police Chief Frantz Elbe, in an attempt to dissuade Henry from returning to the country and to oust his government.
