Kenyan Officer Killed in Haiti During Gang Ambush Amid Security Crisis

A Kenyan police officer, Bénédict Kabiru, was killed in Haiti amid ongoing gang violence, coinciding with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Caribbean visit focused on Haitian security. The incident occurred during a recovery operation involving MRAP vehicles, following a gang ambush. Haiti faces severe gang control and humanitarian crises, affecting millions.

A Kenyan police officer was killed in Haiti while engaged in operations against gangs, coinciding with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s tour of the Caribbean where Haiti’s security crisis is a primary topic. The officer, Bénédict Kabiru, was confirmed dead after an ambush on two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Pont-Sondé, as reported by the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).

Following the ambush, during which the vehicles were dispatched to retrieve an armored police vehicle that had become stuck, gang members attacked the officers involved in the recovery mission. The MSS noted that during this operation, one MRAP was immobilized and the other had mechanical troubles, which left the officers vulnerable to the unexpected assault. Videos purportedly showing the officer’s body emerged online, though CNN has not verified their authenticity.

This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by international forces in Haiti, particularly following another recent Kenyan casualty in the same region. The US serves as a crucial financial supporter of the MSS, emphasizing the importance of addressing Haiti’s escalating security issues as Rubio engages with regional leaders.

Currently, over 80% of Port-au-Prince is reported under gang control, with violence proliferating into the rural areas, including the critical Artibonite region. In October, the United Nations reported that at least 70 individuals were massacred by the Gran Grif gang in the same area where Officer Kabiru was killed, illustrating the extent of the crisis.

In addition to the loss of life, the violent conditions in Port-au-Prince have created record levels of displacement and dire humanitarian situations. Over 5.5 million people are facing hunger in Haiti, exacerbating an already critical scenario, as highlighted by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

The tragic death of Officer Bénédict Kabiru underscores the escalating security crisis in Haiti, marked by increasing gang violence and a growing humanitarian emergency. As international leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, prioritize discussions of regional security cooperation, the urgent need for effective interventions to restore safety for the Haitian populace remains critical. With a large portion of the population facing hunger and displacement, proactive measures are essential to address the ongoing situation in the country.

Original Source: www.news8000.com