A Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) officer and a civilian were killed on August 31 in a road traffic accident involving two military vehicles on the Kenscoff–Pétion-Ville Road in Haiti.
In a statement by MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka, the crash occurred at approximately 5 p.m. near Perlerin 9 during a recovery operation when one MaxxPro vehicle towing another experienced mechanical failure,
“While one vehicle was towing the other, it developed mechanical problems leading to the incident,” Ombaka said.
The accident also involved civilians. The injured personnel were rushed to Lambert Santé Hospital in Pétion-Ville, where one MSS officer and a civilian were pronounced dead.
Eight MSS officers sustained injuries, three of whom are in serious condition and require medical evacuation to the Dominican Republic for specialized treatment.
“The MSS extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as with the injured, as they recover,” the spokesperson stated.
Recent Killings in Haiti
This comes barely 10 days after two elite Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers serving in Haiti alongside the the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti died on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Haitian National Police (PNH) said the Haitian officers were killed, and two others were injured after a tragic explosion caused by a kamikaze drone.
PNH said the drone was reportedly being carried by civilians when it exploded.
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United States (U.S) Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed his condolences after the incident.
In a statement, Landau said the officers died while protecting their country, and the U.S government will continue supporting Haiti.
“I just spoke to Haitian Prime Minister Fils-Aimé to express condolences for the death of two Haitian National Police SWAT officers. They died trying to protect their country from criminal gangs. The US and many other nations stand steadfastly with those seeking to restore law and order in Haiti.”
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti said it was saddened by the death of the two officers who have been critical in the fight against gangs in Haiti.
Plans to Replace Officers in Haiti
U.S President Donald Trump’s administration is also planning to pick another country to lead the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti.
Currently, Kenya’s Senior Assistant Inspector-General (SAIG), Godfrey Otunge, serves as MSS Force Commander.
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However, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Kimberly J. Penland said on August 20 that the U.S is planning to double the size of the foreign forces deployed in Haiti, with possibly another country, rather than Kenya, leading the new team.
Penland told foreign leaders who attended the Organization of American States (OAS) that the U.S. is drafting a resolution to present to the United Nations Security Council to “properly resource” Haiti’s fight against the gangs and regain control of its territories.
If adopted, the proposal is expected to come with changes, even though it aligns with an earlier proposal by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.
Guterres had proposed that the provision of logistical and operational support be funded using peacekeeping money.
“Should the U.N. Security Council pursue this model, then we will also seek robust regional participation to provide strategic leadership of the force,” Penland said.
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