Haiti’s fragile security situation has once again been highlighted after two members of the Haitian National Police (PNH) SWAT unit were killed in a kamikaze drone explosion at their base in the Kenscoff region. Authorities confirmed that two additional officers sustained injuries in the incident.
According to the PNH, the drone was reportedly being carried by civilians when it exploded. While investigators are treating the tragedy as an accident, the use of drones has raised concerns amid escalating gang violence and instability in the country.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti expressed sorrow over the deaths, describing the slain officers as “brave men who made invaluable contributions to combating gangs and improving security conditions in Haiti.” Charge d’Affaires Eric Wooster and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also offered condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen officers. “They died trying to protect their country from criminal gangs,” Landau said, reiterating Washington’s support for Haiti’s security forces.
The deaths come at a time when the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which includes Kenyan police officers, has also suffered losses. On February 23, a Kenyan officer deployed under the MSS died after sustaining injuries during an operation in Ségur-Savien, Artibonite department. He was evacuated to Aspen Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
Just a month later, on March 25, another Kenyan officer was shot dead during a confrontation with gang members in the Lower Artibonite region, 92 kilometres north of Port-au-Prince. His identity has not yet been disclosed.
On April 20, three Haitian soldiers also lost their lives following an ambush by gangs while on a joint patrol with Haitian and Kenyan officers under the MSS framework.
The spate of casualties underscores the immense challenges facing Haiti and its international partners as they attempt to restore law and order in a country beset by violence, political instability, and humanitarian crises. Despite the dangers, both the Haitian government and its allies have pledged to continue pressing ahead with security operations aimed at dismantling the armed gangs that hold sway over much of the nation.Hait
