(TheIndependentStar.com) – As gangs tighten their grip on the country’s capital, the chaos in Haiti has reached new heights and forced U.S. authorities to step in to protect American lives.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a 30-day ban on flights to and from Haiti.
The agency’s decision also temporarily prohibits most U.S. flights traveling under 10,000 feet in Haitian airspace.
This measure comes after two American planes were attacked near Toussaint Louverture International Airport, exposing the growing influence of violent gangs that now control 80% of Haiti’s capital.
The incidents involved a JetBlue plane and Spirit Airlines Flight 951, both hit by gunfire.
The Spirit flight had departed from Fort Lauderdale and was forced to divert to Santiago in the Dominican Republic after a crew member sustained minor injuries.
Major airlines have taken swift action in response to the dangerous situation.
JetBlue canceled flights until December 2, American Airlines halted flights until at least tomorrow and Spirit canceled all flights pending investigation.
The U.S. Embassy has issued a travel alert for American citizens, warning of gang-led efforts to block travel and potential armed violence.
The embassy states that the security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous, and travel within the country is at one’s own risk.
Despite the presence of a Kenyan-led international force, the violence in Haiti has reached alarming levels.
Violent crime, including robberies, rapes and kidnappings, is rampant in the capital. Gangs are using drones and stockpiling weapons to fight the police force, showing a level of expertise that threatens the entire region.
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