Can't read it? Listen now!
The international security effort in Haiti is gaining momentum as new reinforcements arrive to combat the worsening crisis. A fourth contingent of Kenyan police officers landed in Port-au-Prince on Thursday, while El Salvador delivered three helicopters to support operations. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his visit to the Dominican Republic, reiterated U.S. backing for the mission, though he ruled out deploying American troops.
Kenyan Officers Strengthen the Mission
The latest deployment includes 144 Kenyan officers, bringing the total Kenyan force in Haiti to 744. Kenya had committed 1,000 officers as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which aims to stabilize the country amid surging gang violence. The newly arrived officers include an elite all-female SWAT team, a highly trained tactical unit that is expected to play a critical role in specialized operations.
Their arrival comes after deadly gang attacks in the town of Kenscoff, where an estimated 150 people were killed in late January, according to human rights group Fondasyon Je Klere (FJKL). The MSS mission is now focused on strengthening security in key areas to prevent further loss of life.
Salvadoran Helicopters Bolster Air Support
Adding to the mission’s capabilities, El Salvador provided three helicopters to support air surveillance and rapid response operations. This marks the first significant contribution from a Latin American country to the MSS mission. Enhanced aerial mobility is expected to improve the force’s ability to track and counter gang activities, which have largely dominated the capital and surrounding regions.
The move also highlights growing regional cooperation in addressing Haiti’s crisis, with the Bahamas previously sending military ships to strengthen maritime security.
Rubio’s Visit and U.S. Commitment
During his visit to the Dominican Republic, Marco Rubio reaffirmed the U.S. government’s support for the MSS mission but acknowledged its challenges. While Washington recently froze $13 million in aid to Haiti, it granted over $40 million in exemptions for the mission and the Haitian National Police (PNH).
Rubio emphasized that the goal is to stabilize Haiti without direct U.S. military intervention. Instead, the focus remains on reinforcing local and international security efforts while supporting economic and governance reforms.
In discussions with Dominican officials, he also addressed broader regional security concerns, including drug trafficking and migration. The U.S. expressed appreciation for the Dominican Republic’s role in helping manage the crisis but maintained that Haiti’s stabilization requires a multinational approach.
The Current Situation in Haiti
Despite new reinforcements and diplomatic reassurances, Haiti’s security situation remains precarious. Gangs continue to exert control over large parts of Port-au-Prince, and violence has displaced over a million people. The success of the MSS mission will depend on sustained international coordination and effective engagement with Haitian authorities.
For now, the arrival of Kenyan officers, Salvadoran helicopters, and renewed U.S. backing signal a more coordinated push to confront the country’s deepening crisis. Whether these efforts will bring lasting stability remains an open question.
