An airliner has been hit by gunfire as it approached the capital of Haiti.
The Spirit Airlines flight was just metres from landing in Port-au-Prince having come from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, when gangs shot at the plane, injuring a flight attendant.
Footage circulating on social media, which is believed to have been filmed by an airline employee, appeared to show the hole where a bullet had entered the aircraft near the back door and struck overhead lockers.
The plane was diverted and landed in the Dominican Republic and all flights in and out of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport were halted, the US embassy in Haiti said.
Police officers patrol a street during an exchange of gunfire between gangs and police in Port-au-Prince. Pic: AP
Journalists take cover from gunfire. Pic: AP
It came as businessman Alix Didier Fils-Aime became the nation’s new interim leader, replacing Garry Conille, who was fired from the position after only six months.
Mr Fils-Aime said his top priorities after taking office were to restore peace to the nation and hold elections, which haven’t been held in Haiti since 2016 – largely due to soaring levels of gang violence.
The country’s gangs – which control 80% of the capital as well as key roads and infrastructure – often target major airports like Toussaint Louverture International in an attempt to take advantage of political instability.
Earlier this year, coordinated attacks by gangs forced former prime minister Ariel Henry to resign.
Newly appointed interrim Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime. Pic: Reuters
Pic: AP
Gunmen took control of police stations, opened fire on the airport – leading to its closure for nearly three months – and stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons.
Violence continued under Mr Conille, including a gang massacre which killed 70 in the town of Pont-Sonde in October and the targeting of a United Nations helicopter which was hit by bullets as it flew over the capital.
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Former prime minister Garry Conille was fired from his position. Pic: AP
Speaking after taking office on Monday, Mr Fils-Aime said: “Obviously, the first unavoidable challenge is the reinstatement of security.
“Security of the people, security of the goods and infrastructures. Food security and freedom of movement across the entire national territory.”