US bans flights to capital of major Caribbean nation until September
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Why flights between the US and this Caribbean capital city are banned
- The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended its ban on flights to Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, until September 8 due to escalating gang violence.
- The ban was initially implemented in November after gangs fired upon three commercial aircraft.
- The UN human rights on Haiti, William O'Neill, recently described the situation as "more dire than ever," with gangs controlling up to 85 per cent of the capital.
- O'Neill reported widespread displacement, hunger, and sexual violence, urging Haitian authorities to address impunity, corruption, and strengthen the police force.
- He also called for increased support for the UN-backed multinational police force, including better equipment and funding.