Kenyan Police Officer Missing After Gang Ambush in Haiti

A Kenyan police officer has gone missing in Haiti after an ambush by gangs during a rescue operation. The incident involved the officer’s unit assisting the Haitian national police. Following previous attacks on Kenyan forces, the ongoing violence has caused significant casualties and displacement in Haiti.

A Kenyan police officer, part of the international security force in Haiti, has gone missing following an ambush by suspected gang members. The attack, which occurred as the force assisted a stranded vehicle belonging to the Haitian national police, was described by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti in an official statement.

During the rescue efforts, assailants lying in wait launched a surprise attack on the security personnel. In the aftermath, specialized search teams have been deployed to locate the missing officer. The incident took place on Tuesday in Pont-Sondé during a routine patrol operation.

Local media in Haiti speculates that the officer may have been killed, although this has not been confirmed. This assault is part of a troubling trend, as it follows an incident last month where a 26-year-old police constable from Kenya was fatally injured during a mission in Ségur-Savien, marking the first death among Kenyan forces.

Kenya has sent at least 600 police officers to support the MSS mission since June of last year, aiming to stabilize Haiti amid rampant gang violence that has seen gangs take control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and extensive rural regions. In 2024 alone, over 5,500 individuals have lost their lives due to gang-related violence, with more than a million people displaced from their homes.

The missing Kenyan officer underscores the critical and dangerous environment faced by international security forces in Haiti. Following recent attacks, including the tragic loss of another officer, the need for effective measures to combat rampant gang violence remains urgent. With thousands of casualties and displacements reported, the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, necessitating robust international intervention.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk