Kenyan-led mission reclaims Télcos Station in Haiti gang crackdown

Kenyan police officers serving under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti have intensified operations against gangs, days after reports emerged that the United States may shift leadership of the mission to another country.

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In the early hours of Monday, specialised MSS units and the Haitian National Police (PNH) launched a targeted operation that successfully recaptured the Télcos Station, which had been under the control of gangs led by the notorious figure “Izo2.”

The mission reported a fierce three-hour exchange between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., during which gang members suffered “heavy losses” as security forces conducted a door-to-door sweep. Several suspects were apprehended, and a cache of weapons and other materials was seized and handed over to the PNH.

In addition to retaking the Télcos base, joint MSS and PNH teams cleared roadblocks along routes leading to Télcos and Kenscoff, restoring safe passage for residents who had endured weeks of disruption and insecurity.

PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison and MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge warned gang members that the “era of impunity is over,” vowing to intensify targeted operations. Both leaders confirmed that further raids are planned in the coming days as part of a wider strategy to dismantle gang networks across Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.

Nearly 1,000 Kenyan officers have been deployed in Haiti for almost a year, but gang violence continues to destabilise the country. Meanwhile, Washington is considering proposals to double the size of the foreign mission, add resources, and possibly transfer command away from Kenya.