Gang attacks plane on the day Haiti's new Prime Minister takes office.

(CLO) Businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime was sworn in as Haiti's new interim prime minister on Monday amid growing security instability in the Caribbean nation, including gang attacks on an airplane in the capital.

Fils-Aime's inauguration came shortly after a shooting attack on a passenger plane at the airport of the capital, Port-au-Prince, a stark reminder of the complete breakdown of order in Haiti.

Gang attacks airplane on the day of the Haitian Prime Minister's inauguration (Image 1) — A Spirit Airlines plane bound for Port-au-Prince was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic after being hit by gunfire in the Haitian capital on Monday. Photo: AFP

Mr. Fils-Aime replaced the previous interim Prime Minister, Garry Conille, who was appointed in May but became embroiled in a power struggle with the transitional council. In his first speech, Mr. Fils-Aime emphasized that the first priority was restoring security, a prerequisite for success.

Meanwhile, in the capital Port-au-Prince, a Spirit Airlines plane departing from Florida was hit by gunfire while attempting to land and was forced to divert to the Dominican Republic. One flight attendant sustained minor injuries and was examined by medical personnel, while images circulating online showed multiple bullet holes inside the cabin.

Fortunately, no passengers were injured. Following the incident, Port-au-Prince airport suspended all commercial flights, while American Airlines also announced the suspension of flights from Miami to the Haitian capital until Thursday.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strongly condemned the attacks on civilian aviation in Haiti, underscoring the need for robust security measures to protect air traffic. IATA warned that this disruption threatens the delivery of essential goods and humanitarian aid to the Haitian people.

The situation in Haiti worsened when gangs launched a coordinated attack in the capital, Port-au-Prince, in late February, aiming to oust then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Faced with escalating violence, Henry resigned, handing over power to a transitional council.

Despite the presence of an international police force led by Kenya, violence in Haiti continues to escalate. According to a recent United Nations report, more than 1,200 people were killed in Haiti between July and September, with abductions and sexual violence against women and girls on the rise.

Amidst political instability, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties in Haiti to work together to ensure a smooth transition. His spokesperson stressed: "Most importantly, Haiti's political leaders must put the national interest first."

Criminal gangs now control about 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are changing tactics to counter Kenyan-led police forces. A UN report indicates the gangs are digging trenches, using drones, and stockpiling weapons. Additionally, they have reinforced their defenses in areas under their control, stockpiling gas canisters and petrol bombs to resist police raids.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 700,000 people, half of whom are children, have been forced to leave their homes due to gang violence.

(CLO) Businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime was sworn in as Haiti's new interim prime minister on Monday amid growing security instability in the Caribbean nation, including gang attacks on an airplane in the capital.

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