Kenyan Officer Missing Amid Gang Violence in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer is reported missing after gangs ambushed his unit in Haiti, leading to the death of another officer. Videos of the violent encounter have emerged online as the gangs celebrate the attack. The situation in Haiti has been increasingly dire, prompting international discussions on stabilization efforts.

The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti has reported that one of its police officers is missing following an ambush by gangs, which also led to the death of another officer. Videos circulating on social media depict a lifeless officer being attacked by gang members, prompting urgent search efforts to locate the missing individual. The assault also involved the burning of three armored vehicles, including one belonging to the Haiti National Police, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region.

This tragic incident marks the second reported death of an officer since the deployment of the Kenyan security force began in June. Previously, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai, a newlywed father of two, was killed during an operation against the Gran Grief gang, which is allegedly responsible for the latest attacks. The Haiti National Police is working to clarify the sequence of events that resulted in these violent confrontations, particularly in Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite.

The attacks come amidst an escalating siege of Port-au-Prince by a coalition of gangs, who are executing coordinated attacks from various locations. Increases in violence have accompanied the gangs’ tactics, including building arson and heightened kidnappings, allegedly using captives as human shields against counter-police operations. The U.S. government has deployed explosive drones targeting gang strongholds, although these measures have yet to diminish the gangs’ influence effectively.

The Kenyan-led security mission described that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when a National Police vehicle became immobilized in a ditch, which was purportedly created by gangs to ensnare vehicles. In an effort to rescue their colleagues, two MRAP vehicles were sent; however, one became stuck while the other encountered technical difficulties, rendering them vulnerable to a gang ambush. Following this incident, efforts to locate the missing officer have been intensified, despite logistical challenges faced by the mission, including funding and personnel shortages.

Amid these developments, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed support for the Kenya-led operations during a recent conversation with Kenyan President William Ruto. Rubio aims to discuss the critical situation in Haiti with Caribbean leaders in Jamaica, affirming collective commitments to addressing these ongoing challenges effectively.

The situation in Haiti is deteriorating, as evidenced by the ambush of Kenyan police officers and the reported missing individual. The ongoing violence perpetrated by gangs underscores the challenges faced by the Kenyan-led security mission and raises concerns about the escalating crisis in the region. International support continues to be emphasized, illustrating the collaborative efforts needed to address the instability in Haiti.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com