Haitian police in collaboration with officers from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) gunned down at least 20 gang members in a security operation over the weekend.
The operation took place in Torcel, a town located 14 kilometers from Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital. Known as the stronghold of the “Kraze baryè” gang, Torcel has become a focal point for security efforts. Officials stated that the operation aimed to track down armed gangs across the country and dismantle the Kraze baryè gang.
During the operation, officers fatally shot at least 20 gang members. Additionally, authorities reported that they injured Deshomme, the second-in-command of the Kraze baryè gang, during the clash.
Officers also seized several items, including firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, sensitive materials, and various equipment.
“Our brave police officers have penetrated strategic areas that criminals have used to commit crimes for some time. As part of our ongoing efforts to track down armed gangs nationwide, the Haitian National Police (HNP) will continue its operations and interventions in several regions of the country,” the HNP stated.
“The PNH remains mobilized to continue these operations aimed at neutralizing the gang leader and terrorist, Vitelhomme Innocent, and his accomplices,” the statement added.
The MSS team, which consists of approximately 2,900 personnel, confirmed their commitment to combating gang violence.
“Against this backdrop, MSS sends a strong warning to key gang leaders to halt the barbarous acts of rape, extortion, kidnapping, blackmail, and killings. We call on other gang members, especially those from the ‘Kraze Baryé’ gang led by the most wanted criminal, Vitelhomme Innocent, to stop committing atrocities against innocent Haitians whose only wish is to live in peace,” the MSS statement read.
Officials reported that the operations and patrols resulted in several gang members’ arrests, while others escaped with life-threatening injuries. They also noted that an assortment of weapons and communication equipment were seized during the operation.
However, one of the armored personnel carriers developed an engine failure that could not be immediately rectified on-site.
