Kenyan Police Officer Missing Following Gang Ambush in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer is missing following a gang ambush in Haiti. The incident occurred while aiding a stuck patrol vehicle. Two rescue MRAPs were deployed, one of which also encountered mechanical problems. Authorities are searching for the officer while assessing rising security concerns amid recent attacks on Kenyan forces in the area.

On March 26, a Kenyan police officer deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti has gone missing following an ambush by gangs in the Artibonite Department. Jack Ombaka, MSS spokesperson, confirmed the officer’s unaccounted status after the attack on a rescue team vested with finding a stuck patrol vehicle from the Haitian National Police (HNP).

The unfortunate incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. when an HNP armored vehicle became immobilized in a ditch, which was suspected to have been intentionally created by gang members. In an effort to assist, two MSS Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles were sent from Pont-Sonde; however, complications ensued as one vehicle also became entangled, and the other experienced mechanical issues.

Amid attempts to resolve these issues, gang members launched an ambush on the rescue teams. Following an exchange of gunfire, it was discovered that one Kenyan officer from the MSS contingent was missing. Ombaka stated that specialized teams are now engaged in searching for the officer to ascertain his whereabouts.

Preliminary reports suggest that several gang members sustained injuries during the clash, and some fatalities are suspected, although specific details on casualties have not been disclosed. Authorities are actively working to ensure the region’s security and locate the missing officer.

This incident highlights the escalating security challenges encountered by the Kenyan-led MSS operation in Haiti. Recently, on March 18, a senior Kenyan police officer suffered a gunshot wound to the head during an engagement in the same locale and remains in critical condition. Moreover, just a month earlier, on February 23, Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was shot and killed in the area while performing his duties.

The recent ambush of a Kenyan police officer in Haiti emphasizes the escalating risks faced by security missions in the region. The ongoing search for the missing officer reflects the dangers associated with the MSS mission and the precarious security landscape. Furthermore, the recent injuries and fatalities among Kenyan officers signal an urgent need to assess and enhance safety protocols in such volatile environments.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke