U.S. Backs Kenya's Haiti Mission

The US has delivered at least 600 assorted guns to the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti boosting ongoing operations against criminal gangs in the Caribbean nation.
The donation made on Monday, February 10 also included nine pickups, two trucks, two excavators, two armoured loaders and tens of bullets.

Officials said this will boost the ongoing operation against the gangs on the ground in general.

MSS commander Godfrey Otunge said the mission has significantly improved its operational capabilities.

“This donation underscores the United States’ continued commitment to supporting both the Haiti National Police (HNP) and MSS, enhancing their operational capacity to combat gangs and restore peace in Haiti,” he said.

The air support has been strengthened with reinforcements from El Salvador. Maritime capabilities have been bolstered by contributions from the Bahamas and land operations have been enhanced with equipment provided by donor nations.

A Ukrainian cargo plane had arrived from El Salvador carrying three helicopters designated for medical evacuations (Medevac) and casualty evacuations (Casevac).

The day’s events silenced sceptics who had speculated that the mission was on the verge of collapse following the U.S. government’s recent decision to freeze funding to the Trust Fund.

“The successful arrival of reinforcements and equipment demonstrated that the MSS mission remains fully operational and progressing toward its objectives.”

The Kenyan team is part of the group of a UN-approved international force that will be made up of 2,500 officers from various countries.