Haiti's main international airport reopens after nearly three months

The reopening of Toussaint-Louverture airport in the capital Port-au-Prince is expected to ease severe shortages of medicines and other basic supplies. The country’s main seaport remains paralyzed. Gangs control 80% of the capital.

Photo: Reuters

Previously, Haiti's only functioning airport was in the northern coastal city of Cap-Haitien. Many people are trying to flee the country, which is now out of control.

The US government has evacuated hundreds of citizens by helicopter as well as non-profit organizations from Port-au-Prince as gangs lay siege to areas of the capital.

The attacks began on February 29, with gunmen seizing control of police stations, opening fire on Port-au-Prince airport and storming Haiti's two largest prisons, freeing more than 4,000 inmates.

The gangs have since launched attacks on previously peaceful communities, leaving thousands homeless.

More than 2,500 people were killed or injured in Haiti from January to March, up more than 50 percent from the same period last year, according to the United Nations.

The airport attack also prevented former Prime Minister Ariel Henry from returning to Haiti from an official visit to Kenya. He has since resigned and a transitional presidential council is searching for a new prime minister. The council is also tasked with selecting a new cabinet and holding general elections.

In recent weeks, U.S. military aircraft have landed at Port-au-Prince airport with supplies as well as civilian contractors to help Haiti prepare for the arrival of foreign forces expected to help quell gang violence.

Cao Phong (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/san-bay-quoc-te-chinh-cua-haiti-mo-cua-tro-lai-sau-gan-ba-thang-post296291.html