Kenyan-Led Haiti Mission Corners Notorious Gangs, Critically Injures Several Members
An unknown number of gang members were killed on Monday as a result of a security operation carried out by Haitian National Police (HNP) and Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) officials.
The operation was carried out in Kenscoff, a village about 10 kilometers southeast of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince after residents reported several gang attacks.
According to MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge, after receiving panic calls from residents, personnel, including Kenyan police, were immediately rushed to the town to calm the gang violence.
During the operation, a ferocious shootout broke out between the police and the gangs, resulting in the arrest of some gang members and the treatment of others with critical injuries.
While detailing the incident, the police commander claimed that a high-calibre rifle and a communication radio were recovered during the operation.
Commander Otunge addressed the public shortly after the operation, expressing the mission’s commitment to restoring peace in the Caribbean nation and threatening gang members to surrender or face the repercussions of their atrocities.
“Today’s successful operation serves as a clear message to criminal gangs: the MSS will not allow them any room to operate,” Otunge stated.
KENSCOFF COMMUNE
— Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti (@MSSMHaiti) January 28, 2025
Haitians and the international community welcomed the arrival of the Guatemalan contingent and the 3rd Kenyan contingent earlier this month, signaling the growing strength of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. During his welcoming speech, MSS… pic.twitter.com/H1GyWpeoHt
“We extend our gratitude to the people of Kenscoff for their support and cooperation. The MSS remains committed to helping Haiti restore its former glory,” he added.
A similar operation was carried out in Thomassin, a state located south of Port-au-Prince.
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According to Otunge, the safety operation resulted in the arrest of several gang members, some of whom were fatally injured during fights.
The latest incident comes only a month after Kenya dispatched its third batch of approximately 200 police officers to the Caribbean country for the United Nations-backed peacekeeping mission.
The Kenyan officers, who landed in the war-torn country on Sunday, January 20, were greeted by Haitian President Fritz Alphonse Jean and key security officials, including Kenyan commander Otunge.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has stated that the US government will continue to support the mission, emphasizing that the Haiti mission is part of a larger security strategy.
Kenyan-Led Haiti Mission Corners Notorious Gangs, Critically Injures Several Members
