A Kenyan police officer, part of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, was injured by gunfire during a clash with gangs on Tuesday.
The incident underscores the ongoing dangers faced by international peacekeepers working to stabilize the troubled Caribbean nation.
A statement obtained by Leaked.co.ke, revealed that the officer was shot in the shoulder while attempting to disperse the gangs.
The clash occurred as the Kenyan unit was patrolling the National Hospital-APN Sea Port road when they encountered a truck under attack and being looted by suspected bandits.
As the officers intervened, they discovered that the gang had shot the driver while looting the rice-loaded truck.
A firefight ensued, during which the Kenyan patrol team engaged the gang members.
Amid the chaos, the officer sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
The injured officer was quickly evacuated to the Life Support Area (LSA) hospital for treatment and recovery.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, the gang members managed to escape into nearby buildings, evading immediate capture.
This incident comes on the heels of another violent episode involving Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille.
Just a day earlier, Conille narrowly escaped harm when gangs opened fire near a hospital in Port-au-Prince he was visiting.
CNN journalists were interviewing the interim prime minister at the hospital when gunshots erupted in a nearby area.
At the time, Garry Conille was accompanied by Haitian National Police and members of a UN-backed Kenyan security force.
In that tense situation, security forces fired back at the gangs, providing cover as Conille’s motorcade swiftly exited the hospital area.
The incident highlighted the precarious security situation in Haiti, where armed gangs frequently clash with law enforcement and terrorize civilians.
The Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti as part of the multinational mission are playing a crucial role in attempts to restore order and safety.
However, their mission is fraught with danger as they face well-armed and organized gangs who are entrenched in various parts of the country.
The ongoing violence has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where many residents live in fear of gang activities.
The international community continues to call for stronger measures to support Haiti’s security forces and provide relief to the affected population.
The bravery and commitment of the Kenyan police and other international forces in Haiti have been widely praised.
Their efforts are seen as vital to stabilizing the country and creating a safer environment for its citizens.
However, the recent incidents underscore the need for continued vigilance, support, and strategic planning to effectively counter the threats posed by armed gangs.
As the Kenyan officer recovers from his injuries, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in international peacekeeping efforts.
The mission in Haiti remains a challenging but essential endeavor to restore peace and security to a nation beset by years of instability and violence.
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