Missing Kenyan Police Officer After Gang Ambush in Haiti

A Kenyan officer deployed in Haiti is missing after an ambush by gangs during a rescue operation. The incident involved a stuck police vehicle, leading to vulnerabilities exploited by the gang. Ongoing efforts are underway to locate the officer amidst heightened security risks for Kenyan peacekeeping forces.

A Kenyan police officer is currently missing after being ambushed by gangs while part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. The incident, confirmed by MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka, took place on March 26 in the Artibonite Department when a patrol vehicle from the Haitian National Police became immobilized due to a suspected gang trap.

The ambush occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. following the dispatch of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles from Pont-Sonde to offer assistance. Unfortunately, one MRAP also got stuck, and the other suffered mechanical issues, rendering the team vulnerable to the gang’s attack. Ombaka noted that as the rescue teams worked on the vehicles, the ambushing gang members opened fire.

After the firefight, it was revealed that one officer from the MSS Kenyan contingent was missing. In response, specialized teams have been deployed to locate him. Reports indicate that during the ambush, some gang members were injured and there may have been fatalities, although casualty details provided by authorities remain vague.

This incident highlights increasing security challenges faced by the MSS mission, particularly following a previous attack. On March 18, another senior Kenyan officer was critically injured by a gunshot in the same location. Additionally, a month prior, on February 23, Constable Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai was killed while on duty in that area.

The missing officer from the MSS mission in Haiti highlights escalating dangers in the region for Kenyan forces. The recent ambush showcases vulnerabilities during operations, particularly in areas known for gang activities. Past incidents also indicate a trend of violence against police officers. Ongoing efforts to locate the missing officer reflect the urgency of addressing safety concerns in such volatile environments.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke