Surge of guns and ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean, fueling conflict [Video]

Authorities have seen a surge of guns and ammunition flowing from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean, fueling conflict in regions already struggling with violence and unrest.

Last week, U.S.-based airlines were struck by gunfire while flying over Haiti’s airspace. While the origin of the firearms remains uncertain, Haiti has no domestic firearms manufacturing capacity, and aside from a small artisanal market, the majority of weapons fueling the violence are likely sourced from the U.S.  

A new report from research organization Small Arms Survey reveals a staggering nearly 120% surge in firearm shipments seized en route from the U.S. to the Caribbean and Latin America since 2016.  

“Available evidence indicates that traffickers in the U.S. are a major source of illicit weapons in the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Matt Schroeder, senior researcher at Small Arms Survey and author of the report. “The illicit acquisition and use of firearms in the Caribbean and Latin America …