US Delivers Armored Vehicles to Haiti’s UN-Backed Security Mission

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – The United States has delivered 20 armored vehicles to Haiti’s new Gang Suppression Force (GSF), marking the first shipment of equipment to the 5,500-member UN-backed mission tasked with curbing the country’s gang violence.

The force, created to replace the Kenya-led mission, is still in its formative stages even as deadly attacks continue across Haiti.

These vehicles will strengthen the capacity of the GSF and the Haitian National Police (PNH) to counter the deadly gangs terrorizing the people of Haiti,” the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said in a recent statement .

“They reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the country’s security.”

The GSF replaces the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), whose mandate expired on Oct. 2 after limited progress against armed groups that now control about 90% of the capital. The new force, made up of military and police officers, aims to support anti-gang operations and create conditions for a return to democratic governance.

The U.S. Permanent Mission to the UN said discussions are underway with member states, including Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations, as part of the GSF’s formation and deployment planning.

Meanwhile, in Guatemala, 150 military officers, including 19 women, are training to join the force.

 Guatemalan Colonel Alfredo Sáenz said the United Nations has not yet requested their deployment, but confirmed the troops are preparing to assist if called.

“This demonstrates the strong commitment we have as military police to serve as ambassadors in uniform, peacekeepers, and soldiers of hope for the Haitian people,” Sáenz said.

Guatemala is the first country to pledge new personnel for the GSF. It previously sent 150 soldiers to the Kenya-led MSS mission, which remains stationed in Haiti and is awaiting the transition.

Washington says it remains committed to helping Haiti confront its gang crisis and the U.S. has offered multi-million-dollar rewards for information leading to the arrest of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders, many of whom have been designated as terrorists by U.S. authorities.

“Together we will defeat the gangs terrorizing the region,” the U.S. Mission to the UN stated. “The GSF will have consistent funding, appropriate personnel, and the authority to take on this task.”

U.S. officials emphasize that gangs continue to destabilize Haiti while publicly claiming to seek peace.