Haiti Intensifies Operations Against Gangs, Extends Mission

Amid escalating gang violence in Haiti since the assassination of the Prime Minister in July 2021, the Multi-National Security Support Mission (MSSM) is ramping up operations against criminal groups like the “Kraze Barye” gang. According to MSSM’s updates, recent raids, including one on October 14, resulted in several gang members injured and a damaged armoured personnel carrier.

MSSM Deputy Commander Kevron Henry called on Haitians to “continue condemning the violence meted out to innocent citizens” as authorities pursue the most wanted gang leader, Vitelhomme Innocent. He urged gang members to “stop committing atrocities” and appealed for public support for joint operations with the Haiti National Police (HNP).

Following operations on October 12 and 14, multiple arrests were made, and weapons and communication equipment were seized. Henry reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining pressure on gangs until they “surrender to the authorities ready to face justice.” 

To bolster efforts, two senior officers from the Belize Defense Force were deployed to Haiti on September 7 in support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution. Despite these reinforcements, the mission remains understaffed and was extended after the September United Nations General Assembly summit in response to the escalating civil unrest.