An unknown number of gang members were fatally shot on Monday, following a security operation conducted by the Haitian National Police (HNP) jointly with the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) officers.
The operation was conducted in Kenscoff, a town located 10 kilometres Southeast of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince after residents reported several gang attacks.
According to MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge, upon receiving the distress calls from the resident, the officers including the Kenyan police were immediately dispatched to the town to quell the gang violence.
During the operation, a fierce shootout broke out between the police and the gangs, leading to the arrest of several gang members with others left nursing critical injuries.
The police commander, while detailing the incident, revealed that a high-calibre firearm along with a communication radio was recovered during the operation.
Addressing the public moments after the operation, Commander Otunge expressed the mission's commitment to restoring peace in the Caribbean nation, further warning the gang members to surrender or face the consequences 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.
“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 also conducted in Thomassin, a state located South of Port Au-Prince. According to Otunge, the safety operation led to the arrest of several gang members, with some sustaining fatal injuries during confrontations.
The latest development comes hardly a fortnight after Kenya sent its third contingent of about 200 police officers to the Caribbean nation for the United Nations-backed peacekeeping mission.
The Kenyan officers who arrived in the war-ravaged nation on Sunday, January 20, were received by Haiti President Fritz Alphonse Jean alongside top security officials including the Kenyan commander Otunge.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has revealed that the American government will continue to aid the mission adding that the Haiti mission aligns with the broader security agenda.
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