While flying over Saut-d’Eau, the Haitian government’s helicopter, managed by Civil Protection, was struck by a projectile. The information was reported to Le Nouvelliste by a source close to the matter. “The aircraft was en route to Cap-Haïtien from Port-au-Prince. Due to weather conditions, it was flying at low altitude. Upon reaching the Saut-d’Eau area, it was hit by a 9mm round,” the source told the newspaper.

According to our contact, the aircraft turned back to return to Port-au-Prince. “One passenger was grazed by the projectile, but he handled the situation calmly to avoid alarming the other passengers and crew on board. It was only upon landing that he revealed everything,” the source reported, adding that they believe the helicopter was targeted after officials disclosed that reinforcements had been airlifted to Mirebalais to push back the gangs.