The Kenyan mission in Haiti reported a missing officer after an ambush by gangs resulted in the attack on armored vehicles. The missing officer follows the recent death of Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai and highlights ongoing gang violence worsening in the region. International discussions are ongoing about stabilizing Haiti and supporting efforts by the Kenyan-led force.
The Kenyan mission in Haiti recently reported that one of its police officers has gone missing following an ambush by gangs. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted three armored vehicles, setting two ablaze while sharing videos of the event, including one showing a lifeless officer. The incident marks the potential second casualty for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission since its deployment in June.
The missing officer’s situation follows the death of Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai earlier this month, who was killed during a prior operation against the Gran Grief gang. A source from the Haiti National Police indicated that violent confrontations with this gang have intensified in the Artibonite region, with gangs attempting to expand their territory.
On the day of the recent attack, gangs mounted their offensive from both urban and mountainous areas surrounding Port-au-Prince, which faces ongoing threats from a coalition of gangs. This violence is accompanied by arson and increased kidnappings, as gangs utilize civilians as human shields against police interventions, particularly the U.S. government’s drone operations targeting gang locations.
The rescue mission that aimed to assist the stranded Haiti National Police vehicle was hampered after two other armored vehicles sent from the Kenyan police encountered difficulties. According to the Kenyan mission’s statement, while attempting to resolve the situation, gang members ambushed the rescue team, resulting in the disappearance of a Kenyan officer.
Additionally, the mission has been challenged by inadequate resources and personnel to effectively combat the surge of gang activity. The U.S. Secretary of State recently reaffirmed support for the Kenyan-led efforts in Haiti, amid discussions about stabilizing the region during meetings with Caribbean leaders. The escalating crisis in Haiti will continue to be addressed by international stakeholders as they seek out viable solutions to restore order.
In summary, the Kenyan-led mission in Haiti is experiencing severe challenges amid increasing violence from criminal gangs, resulting in casualties among its officers. The situation calls for urgent international attention and resources. Ongoing discussions by U.S. officials with Caribbean leaders highlight a collaborative approach to addressing the pervasive instability facing Haiti. The need for effective strategies and support for the Kenyan mission is critical as efforts continue to stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.miamiherald.com
