The Multi-National Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSSM), has issued an update on the Monday, October 14, 2024, raid which left an armoured personnel carrier damaged and several gang members nursing serious injuries.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, MSSM Deputy Commander Kevron Henry urged Haitians to continue condemning the violence meted out to innocent citizens.
Gangs on notice
Also, Henry revealed that one of the armoured personnel carriers had its engine fail during the shootout, noting that the law enforcement agencies were hot on the pursuit of notorious gang leaders.
“We wish to call out other gang members especially the “Kraze Barye ‘gang led by the most wanted criminal Vitelhomme Innocent to stop committing atrocities against innocent Haitians whose only wish and prayer is to live peacefully. We, therefore, call upon all Haitians to rally behind and continue supporting MSS/HNP joint operations that have borne fruits,” Henry stated.
Adding: “On Saturday 12th and Monday 14th October 2024, joint MSS/HNP operations and patrols saw a number of gang members arrested with others escaping with life-threatening injuries. An assortment of weapons and communication equipment were also seized during the operation. In the process, one of our armoured personnel carriers developed engine failure that could not be rectified immediately on site.”
The mission led by Kenyan commander Godfrey Otunge has managed to recover some of the critical government infrastructure formerly under the control of the gangs and brought some semblance of peace.
Haiti’s commitment to peace
Deputy Commander Henry indicated that with the help of the Haiti National Police (HNP), they will pursue peace in the region.
“It is MSSM’s commitment that the pressure will be sustained on the gangs until or unless they surrender to the authorities ready to face justice. As we continue with operations in PaP, simultaneous operations are ongoing at Pont-Sonde. MSS wishes to assure the populace that their security is number one despite the veil resistance from the bandits who seek comfort and solace in perpetuating atrocities by spilling innocent blood. We are committed to Haiti starting to live again,” Henry assured.
The mission, which is currently understaffed was extended during the September United Nations General Assembly summit in New York.
This is after a civil war broke out in the Caribbean nation following the assassination of its Prime Minister.
In the chaos that followed, criminal gangs took large swathes of Haiti’s territory, pushing back the government’s law enforcement agencies.
