Tuesday, March 25, 2025, was a dark [and costly] day for the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), which lost three armored vehicles in Carrefour-la-Ville, a locality in Petite Rivière de l'Artibonite, after falling into a trap set by the "Gran Grif" gang. Law enforcement officers tried in vain to recover the vehicles, which were set on fire by the terrorists.

Jack Ombaka, Spokesperson for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS), summarized the situation in a statement "[...] at approximately 16:30 hrs, a Haitian National Police (HNP) armored vehicle on patrol along the Carrefour Paye-Savien Main Supply Route in the Pont-Sonde area, Artibonite Department, got stuck in a ditch—suspected to have been deliberately dug by gangs. In response, two MSS Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles from Pont-Sonde were dispatched to assist in the recovery.

Unfortunately, during the recovery operation, one of the MRAPs also got stuck, while the other developed a mechanical issue. As the rescue teams attempted to resolve the situation, suspected gang members lying in wait launched an attack.

As a result of the incident, one MSS Kenyan contingent officer remains unaccounted for. Specialized teams have been deployed to conduct a search and determine his whereabouts. A comprehensive brief will follow [...]"

March 26, 2025

SL/ HaitiLibre