Gangs kill 3 soldiers in Kenscoff ambush, exposing Haiti’s faltering counteroffensive

PORT-AU-PRINCE —The Haitian government has condemned the killing of three soldiers in Kenscoff, vowing to reclaim control of territories overtaken by gangs. The Haitian Armed Forces (FAd’H) soldiers were ambushed while responding to a gang attack early Sunday morning, April 20, in the commune about 15 miles southeast of the capital city, Port-au-Prince.

“These soldiers are not only members of our armed forces. They are worthy sons of the Nation, defenders of our sovereignty, whose ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement.

The attack is part of a broader wave of violence that has escalated in the area since January. In that initial attack, over 200 people were killed and more than 3,000 were displaced, according to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). Gangs are now deeply entrenched in Kenscoff, disrupting farming and daily life in the once-peaceful agricultural region. 

For several months, Kenscoff has been under increasing pressure from armed criminal groups, who have been increasing attacks, setting up roadblocks and committing abuses against the local population. Law enforcement is struggling to regain control of the territory, despite ongoing operations.

On Friday, April 18, the Haitian National Police (PNH) launched at least eight explosive drones against gang hideouts in the commune, which has become a strategic bridge connecting Port-au-Prince to the southern Haiti due gang’s control of National Road #2.  According to several local reports, these strikes reportedly caused casualties among the bandits, but no official death toll has been released and no civilian casualties have been reported so far either.

The use of explosive drones marks a shift in the authorities’ fight against armed gangs. This strategy raises questions about its effectiveness and risks, as the security situation remains highly volatile in the region.                                                                               

Authorities said the soldiers were dispatched to reinforce local police under siege at the Kenscoff police station. Traveling in a non-armored vehicle, they were intercepted by armed assailants. As a result, three officers were killed, while six others were injured and remain hospitalized. Their slain officers’ identities have not been released by law enforcement officials.                                                                                           

A video circulating on WhatsApp appears to show fellow soldiers carrying a wounded comrade, highlighting the chaos and danger security forces face. The ambush marks the third fatal attack on security forces in Kenscoff this year.

In separate incidents earlier this month, three PNH officers were killed in Port-au-Prince and Mirebalais. One of them, officer Garry Junior Lima, died during a confrontation with the “Viv Ansanm” gang — a powerful coalition behind several attacks in the capital and beyond. The other two officers, divisional inspectors Rony Jose and Silmon Job, were killed in Port-au-Prince.

The police force is also grappling with internal issues. On April 11, a group of officers were ambushed after reportedly leaving their posts unguarded in allegedly undisciplined behavior. Gangs seized the moment to torch three police vehicles and steal weapons and tactical gear. A young woman, Taïna Dérilus, was arrested for allegedly coordinating the ambush.

According to Deputy Spokesperson Lionel Lazarre, such lapses are “inexcusable” and undermine morale at a time when security forces are stretched thin.

The BINUH, which has monitored the conflict in Kenscoff, confirmed 262 deaths and dozens of injuries from recent violence in  a report. The UN also verified the destruction of nearly 200 homes. Though the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission has arrived to aid Haitian security forces, its presence has not yet deterred gang advances in all areas.

“The attacks on Kenscoff were extremely brutal, aimed at spreading panic among the population,” said Maria Isabel Salvador, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Haiti. “Men, women and children were executed inside their homes. Others were killed as they tried to flee.”

This week’s killing of three soldiers raises the April death toll for security personnel to at least six, underscoring the high price being paid in the battle to restore public order in Haiti.

The post Gangs kill 3 soldiers in Kenscoff ambush, exposing Haiti’s faltering counteroffensive appeared first on The Haitian Times.