Kenyan Officer Missing Following Gang Attack in Haiti

A Kenyan officer under the Multinational Security Support mission is missing after a gang ambush in Haiti’s Artibonite Department. The incident involved an HNP vehicle getting stuck, leading to a rescue attempt with additional MRAPs, which were ambushed by gang members. The MSS is currently conducting a search for the officer, with prior incidents highlighting the mission’s security concerns.

A Kenyan police officer deployed under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission remains missing following a gang ambush in Haiti. The incident occurred in the Artibonite Department, confirmed by MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka, on March 26, 2023. The ambush targeted a rescue team that responded to an earlier incident where an armored vehicle of the Haitian National Police (HNP) became immobilized.

The attack, which transpired around 4:30 p.m., saw the HNP vehicle become stuck in a ditch, suspected to have been created intentionally by gangs. Subsequently, two MSS Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles were dispatched for assistance. Unfortunately, one MRAP also became stuck, while the other encountered a mechanical failure, complicating the rescue effort.

As the rescue operation was underway, gang members launched an ambush on the officers. A firefight ensued, and it was later discovered that one officer from the MSS Kenyan contingent was unaccounted for. “As a result of the incident, one MSS Kenyan contingent officer remains unaccounted for,” stated Ombaka.

Ongoing search and recovery efforts are being conducted by specialized teams to locate the missing officer. Initial assessments indicate that several gang members sustained injuries and there were potential fatalities among them, though specific details remain unverified. This situation highlights the escalating security challenges confronting the Kenyan-led MSS mission in Haiti.

This incident follows a troubling trend, as just a week prior, a senior Kenyan police officer was critically injured during an operation in the same area. Additionally, on February 23, Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was tragically killed while on duty in the same region.

In conclusion, the situation surrounding the missing Kenyan police officer in Haiti reveals serious security challenges faced by the MSS mission. The ambush illustrates the risks to peacekeeping forces operating in volatile areas. Continuous efforts are underway to locate the missing officer, while the incidents highlight a concerning pattern of violence against officers in Haiti.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke