UN Security Council adopts resolution imposing arms embargo on Haiti

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Friday imposing an arms embargo to curb the supply of weapons fueling the rampant gang violence in Haiti.

The 15-member Council also renewed the existing resolution that included targeted asset freezes and travel bans against gang leaders until Oct. 18, 2025.

Haiti has been struggling with gang violence and political instability for years. The country saw an escalation of violence following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise three years ago.

Rival armed groups took control of the capital, Port-au-Prince, earlier this year, forcing Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. Armed gangs are said to control an estimated 80% of the city.

More than 1,379 people were killed or injured in Haiti, and 428 kidnapped from April to June, according to the UN,

Around 5.5 million in Haiti are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance amid a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by civil unrest, disease, economic instability and insecurity.