Kenyan Police Officer Missing After Gang Ambush in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti after a gang ambush during a rescue operation for a stuck police vehicle. This incident underscores the dangerous conditions faced by international forces in Haiti, where gangs have taken control of large areas, leading to significant violence and casualties. The Kenyan deployment aims to assist in restoring order amidst rampant gang activity.

A Kenyan police officer serving in Haiti as part of an international security force has gone missing following a violent ambush by suspected gang members. The attack occurred when the force was attempting to assist a vehicle from the Haitian national police that had become immobilized in a ditch. According to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti, gang members launched their assault while rescue teams were engaged in resolving the situation.

In response to the incident that took place during a patrol operation in the town of Pont-Sondé, specialized search teams have been deployed to locate the missing officer. Local reports suggest that the officer may have been killed during the attack, although this information has not yet been verified. This incident marks another example of escalating violence against Kenyan officers, following a previous attack last month that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old constable during an operational engagement in Ségur-Savien.

The Kenyan government has dispatched approximately 600 police officers under the MSS mission to Haiti since June of the previous year, aiming to assist in restoring order amidst rampant gang activity across the country. Gangs have effectively taken control of most of Port-au-Prince and vast areas in the rural landscape. The violence has led to significant casualties, with reports indicating over 5,500 individuals killed in gang-related violence throughout 2024, and more than a million people have been displaced from their residences.

The situation for Kenyan police officers in Haiti is perilous, as evidenced by the recent disappearance of an officer following a gang ambush. Despite the presence of a substantial police contingent, the pervasive influence of gangs has resulted in tragic losses and widespread violence. The ongoing efforts to restore stability in Haiti remain crucial, yet the risks faced by international personnel underscore the challenges in combating organized crime in the region.

Original Source: www.bbc.com