The Kenyan police forces in Haiti and partners have successfully apprehended several notorious gang members in the Caribbean nation for the past three days.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 15, the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Misson Deputy Force Commander, Kevron Henry stated that most of the gang members escaped with life-threatening injuries.
“On Saturday 12th and Monday 14th October 2024, joint MSS/HNP operations and patrols saw a number of gang members arrested with others escaping with life-threatening injuries. An assortment of weapons and communication equipment were also seized during the operation, ‘ read the statement in part.
“It is MSS commitment that the pressure will be sustained on the gangs until or unless they surrender to the authorities ready to face justice. As we continue with operations in simultaneous operations are ongoing at Pont-Sonde.”
MSS Issues Warning to Gangs in Haiti
Kenron Henry mentioned that in the process, one of their armoured personnel carriers developed engine failure that could not be rectified immediately on site.
At the same time, MSS sent a strong warning to key gang leaders to stop the barbarous acts of rapes, extortion, kidnapping, blackmail and killings.
“We wish to call out other gang members especially the “Kraze Baryé’gang led by the most wanted criminal Vitelhomme Innocent to stop committing atrocities against innocent Haitians whose only wish and prayer is to live peacefully,” the stetement reads further.
“We therefore call upon all Haitians to rally behind and continue supporting MSS/HNP joint operations that have borne fruits.”
The U.N. Security Council authorized another year for an international security force aimed at assisting local police in combating gangs and restoring law and order in Haiti.
However, the mission has seen limited success, with only around 400 predominantly Kenyan police officers currently deployed on the ground, struggling to help Haiti regain stability amid escalating violence.
Also Read: Haitian Prime Minister Rushes to Kenya After Gang Massacre
Mission’s Achievements
When the Mission touched down in June this year, gang leaders announced they had withdrawn to the outskirts of the city.
Some roads previously rendered impassable were reopened and the Mission, together with SWAT teams of the Haitian police easily removed the barricades.
On Wednesday, July 17, the Kenyan Police recaptured the Auorite Portuaire Nationale (APN) port, which fell to the gangs on March 6, 2024.
The port was one of the remaining entry points into the Carribean nation used by the United Nations to deliver humanitarian aid to the people, most of whom are unable to fend for themselves.
However, on Thursday, October 3, the country witnessed one of the deadliest gang attacks in the Caribbean nation was witnessed after members of the Gran Grif gang stormed the town of Pont-Sonde in the western Artibonite region killing at least 70 people, including infants, and forcing over 6,000 residents to flee.
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