Port-au-Prince, Haiti – In a decisive blow against armed gangs, specialised units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission successfully recaptured the strategic Télcos Station in a joint overnight operation on Monday, August 25.
According to a joint statement, the carefully coordinated raid began around 1:00 am and lasted for three hours, culminating in the removal of gangs loyal to the notorious leader “Izo2.” Security forces reported heavy losses among the gangs as PNH and MSS troops swept through the facility in a door-to-door offensive designed to neutralise resistance.
“The gangs suffered significant losses as our units moved systematically through the station,” read part of a statement by the MSS. “Several suspects attempting to escape or conceal themselves were captured, while a cache of weapons and other materials was seized and handed over to the PNH.”
The operation also included clearing roadblocks erected by gangs along key routes leading to Télcos and Kenscoff. Officials confirmed that this clearance has restored safe passage for residents, who have endured weeks of restricted movement and heightened insecurity due to the gang takeover.
PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison and MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge issued a joint warning to criminal groups, stressing that the era of impunity in Haiti is coming to an end. “Our forces will continue intensifying targeted operations until gang networks are dismantled,” the commanders said.
Nearly 1,000 Kenyan specialised officers are currently deployed in Haiti under the MSS banner. Their presence has bolstered Haitian security forces in efforts to reclaim territory from gangs, though violence continues to grip Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly pushing to expand the mission by doubling the size of foreign forces and potentially shifting overall command away from Kenya. Washington is also considering adding resources to accelerate the mission’s objectives.
The successful recapture of Télcos Station marks one of the most significant operations since the deployment of MSS forces, signaling a renewed push to restore security and stability in the troubled Caribbean nation.
