U.S. delivers $6M in armored vehicles, rifles to Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE —  The U.S. State Department, through its International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INLEA) office, delivered $6 million in armored vehicles and heavy equipment to Haiti’s National Police (PNH) on Monday to help combat gangs.

The shipment includes nine armored all-terrain vehicles—seven Toyota and two Ford SUVs—along with backhoe loaders, bulldozers, and 600 rifles, part of efforts to strengthen the force’s operations in gang-controlled areas.

The handover ceremony took place at the PNH General Directorate in Port-au-Prince. Attendees included the U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins, PNH Director Rameau Normil, Multinational Security Support (MSS) Commander Godfrey Otunge and the president of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) Leslie Voltaire.

“We know that for a long time, one of the gangs’ tactics has been to create barriers and blockages to prevent the police, the army, and the MSS from entering conflict zones,” said Hankins.  

“With this equipment, the National Police’s capacity is doubled, allowing them to engage in operations to clear areas under gang influence so that security forces can enter.”

The U.S. ambassador praised the timely delivery, underscoring Washington’s commitment to supporting Haiti’s security forces despite recent political changes.

“This donation is a visible sign of the U.S. government’s intention to continue supporting Haiti’s national security,” he added.

Support amid rising gang violence

The donation follows the announcement of a $40.3 million financial aid package for the MSS and the Haitian National Police to combat gang violence.

Since the beginning of the year, gangs have intensified attacks, particularly in the mountainous Kenscoff commune, about 19 miles southeast of Port-au-Prince, leading to at least 150 deaths and the displacement of over 3,000 residents, according to Haitian human rights organizations.

In response, police have launched operations in Kenscoff, Pétion-Ville and Bas-Delmas areas, with gunfire heard throughout Carrefour de l’Aéroport, Nazon and Delmas 17.

PNH Director General Rameau Normil assured Haitians that the equipment will be put to immediate use in ongoing security operations across more than 20 active fronts.

“I guarantee that this equipment will be used exclusively to restore security for the population,” Normil said, thanking the United States for the much-needed assistance.

The U.S. donation underscores its continued role in supporting Haiti’s security forces as the country faces a deepening security crisis.

The PNH, despite being supported by over 1,000 members of the Kenya-led  MSS, has long been struggling with limited resources. The institution now possesses additional tools to push back against heavily armed gangs controlling much of Port-au-Prince and other key regions.

“We remain committed to combatting armed gang violence and transnational organized crime with the utmost rigor,” said the police chief.

Below are photos and videos from the ceremony where a U.S. government representative handed over armored equipment to the Haitian National Police.

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