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Port-au-Prince, Haiti—In a significant boost to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), a second contingent of Guatemalan soldiers arrived within 24 hours to reinforce the international effort in Haiti. This marks continued regional support for combating escalating gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
The reinforcements, comprising additional Guatemalan and Salvadoran troops, were welcomed by the United States and Haitian officials. The MSSM, a United Nations-backed initiative, works alongside Haiti’s National Police (PNH) to address the country’s severe security crisis.
The United States expressed strong support for the new deployments, reaffirming its commitment to Haiti’s stability. In a statement, U.S. officials said, “We welcome the additional troops from Guatemala and El Salvador joining the MSSM. The mission will continue operations with the Haitian National Police to combat criminal gangs. The U.S. stands with the Haitian people and is committed to addressing the country’s urgent needs and investing in Haiti’s long-term success.”
The arrival of these additional troops underscores a deepening regional response to Haiti’s challenges. Guatemala and El Salvador, already contributors to the MSSM, have emphasized the importance of solidarity in tackling shared security concerns. Salvadoran officials have pledged further resources, including medical evacuation helicopters, while Guatemala continues to demonstrate its dedication through successive deployments.
This expanding commitment reflects growing recognition of the interconnected nature of regional stability. As Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo remarked earlier, “Haiti’s security is intertwined with the stability of the broader Caribbean and Central America. We cannot ignore their call for assistance.”
The MSSM’s international makeup now includes personnel from Kenya, Jamaica, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and other contributing nations. While the mission is gradually increasing its capacity, challenges remain. Gang violence continues to displace thousands, paralyze infrastructure, and limit access to Port-au-Prince, which remains largely unreachable by air due to security threats.
As operations continue alongside the PNH, this collaborative approach underscores a commitment not only to Haiti’s immediate security needs but also to its long-term development and stability.
