A Kenyan police officer is missing following a gang ambush in Haiti during a rescue operation. The incident involved an armored vehicle becoming immobilized, leading to an attack. Specialized search teams are currently deployed, reflecting the escalating security risks faced by the Kenyan-led mission in the region.
A Kenyan police officer deployed to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti is currently unaccounted for following a gang ambush in the Artibonite Department. Kenyans, serving under the MSS, faced the incident confirmed by spokesperson Jack Ombaka, which occurred when a rescue team was targeted by gunfire after their vehicle became immobilized.
The ambush unfolded on Tuesday at approximately 4:30 p.m., as a Haitian National Police armored vehicle encountered a ditch that was suspected to have been intentionally dug by gangs. In an attempt to provide aid, the MSS dispatched two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, but complications arose as one vehicle became stuck and the other suffered mechanical issues.
During the rescue operation, gang members ambushed the officers, resulting in a firefight. Post-incident assessments revealed that one MSS Kenyan officer was missing. Specialized teams have since been organized to search for him and ascertain his location.
Reports suggest that several gang members sustained injuries, with some fatalities, yet precise casualty numbers have not been disclosed by officials. The ongoing efforts to secure the area and locate the missing officer remain a priority for authorities.
This incident highlights the increasing security challenges faced by the Kenyan-led MSS mission in Haiti. On March 18, a senior Kenyan officer was critically wounded by gunfire in the same locale, following another tragic incident where Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was killed on duty on February 23.
The disappearance of a Kenyan police officer in Haiti following a gang ambush emphasizes the significant security threats the MSS mission faces. With troubling incidents occurring in succession, including the wounding of senior officers and the death of Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, the overall safety of personnel in Haiti remains a pressing concern. Continuous efforts are essential to ensure the effective recovery and protection of those deployed.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
