PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – At least three Haitian soldiers were killed in a gang ambush on Sunday in the town of Kenscoff, located on the outskirts of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
The attack, attributed to the gang coalition Viv Ansanm, marks the latest violent eruption as Haitian authorities and foreign forces struggle to regain control of the country amidst escalating gang warfare.
The soldiers were reportedly part of a military reinforcement mission traveling in an unarmored vehicle when they were ambushed by heavily armed men.
Video footage circulating on social media showed soldiers in camouflage pulling the bodies of their fallen comrades from the truck following the violent incident.
In response, Kenyan police, operating under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), joined Haitian National Police forces to launch a manhunt against the gangs, injuring several of them in the process.
The MSS mission, led by Kenya, was initiated to support Haitian authorities in restoring order and combating the growing influence of violent gangs.
The Haitian government expressed grief and honor for the fallen soldiers, emphasizing their sacrifice in a statement posted on the social media platform X.
“These soldiers are not just members of our armed forces. They are worthy sons of the Nation, defenders of our sovereignty, whose ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the statement read.
Kenscoff has been one of the many regions under heavy gang activity in recent days, as the Viv Ansanm coalition continues its rampage across the country.
Reports indicate that gangs now control more than 85% of Port-au-Prince, further contributing to the country’s instability.
Haiti’s security crisis has deepened as gangs tighten their grip on the country, leaving local communities and vital supply lines increasingly at risk.
Despite the deployment of Kenyan forces in June 2024 under a defense agreement between the U.S. and Kenya, the situation remains dire, with significant progress still needed to curb the rampant violence.
The ongoing crisis has led to massive displacement, with nearly 23,000 people forced from their homes in just one week in March, further exacerbating the humanitarian emergency.
The violence continues to cripple the country’s ability to function, leaving both Haitian citizens and international forces scrambling for a solution to restore peace and stability.
