In a bold move to restore stability, Guatemala has dispatched 150 military personnel to support Haiti in its fight against armed gangs terrorizing the nation.
Guatemalan Troops Deployed to Tackle Gang Violence in Haiti
Guatemalan Troops Deployed to Tackle Gang Violence in Haiti
A contingent of 150 soldiers from Guatemala arrives in the capital to assist ongoing security efforts amid escalating gang violence.
The arrival of Guatemalan forces marks a significant step in the effort to control rampant violence that has plagued Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince.
Guatemalan security forces held their national flag high as they touched down in Haiti's capital, signaling the beginning of their mission to combat chaos created by violent gangs. The deployment involves two groups of 75 soldiers from the military police, with the first group arriving on Friday and the second on Saturday, as instructed by the Guatemalan government. Haiti has been under a state of emergency for several months as authorities grapple with the escalating threats posed by armed groups controlling much of the capital.
The Guatemalan troops join a United Nations-backed initiative led by Kenya, which has struggled to maintain order in the tumultuous region. Kenya has previously sent around 400 police officers since last year to aid in the fight against the gangs; however, the situation has continued to deteriorate. This deployment is part of a larger UN-approved international force expected to total 2,500 officers sourced from various nations.
Other regional participants include a limited number of troops from Jamaica, Belize, and El Salvador, with the United States being the primary financial supporter for the operation.
The urgency of such initiatives has intensified following a dramatic incident in March 2024 when gangs launched coordinated attacks on Haiti's main prisons, resulting in the escape of about 3,700 inmates. The Ouest Department, which encompasses Port-au-Prince, has been under emergency measures since March 3 due to a spike in violence.
Haiti has faced chronic instability from dictatorships and natural disasters over the years, becoming the poorest country in the Americas. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 further exacerbated the nation’s political and economic turmoil, leading to a surge in gang violence.
Recent reports indicate the extent of the crisis with chilling developments as armed groups have executed individuals accused of witchcraft, alongside growing safety concerns in hospitals and other public institutions. The ongoing expansion of the state of emergency reflects the dire state of affairs in Haiti, a situation that the international community is striving to address through coordinated efforts.
Guatemalan security forces held their national flag high as they touched down in Haiti's capital, signaling the beginning of their mission to combat chaos created by violent gangs. The deployment involves two groups of 75 soldiers from the military police, with the first group arriving on Friday and the second on Saturday, as instructed by the Guatemalan government. Haiti has been under a state of emergency for several months as authorities grapple with the escalating threats posed by armed groups controlling much of the capital.
The Guatemalan troops join a United Nations-backed initiative led by Kenya, which has struggled to maintain order in the tumultuous region. Kenya has previously sent around 400 police officers since last year to aid in the fight against the gangs; however, the situation has continued to deteriorate. This deployment is part of a larger UN-approved international force expected to total 2,500 officers sourced from various nations.
Other regional participants include a limited number of troops from Jamaica, Belize, and El Salvador, with the United States being the primary financial supporter for the operation.
The urgency of such initiatives has intensified following a dramatic incident in March 2024 when gangs launched coordinated attacks on Haiti's main prisons, resulting in the escape of about 3,700 inmates. The Ouest Department, which encompasses Port-au-Prince, has been under emergency measures since March 3 due to a spike in violence.
Haiti has faced chronic instability from dictatorships and natural disasters over the years, becoming the poorest country in the Americas. The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 further exacerbated the nation’s political and economic turmoil, leading to a surge in gang violence.
Recent reports indicate the extent of the crisis with chilling developments as armed groups have executed individuals accused of witchcraft, alongside growing safety concerns in hospitals and other public institutions. The ongoing expansion of the state of emergency reflects the dire state of affairs in Haiti, a situation that the international community is striving to address through coordinated efforts.
