Three officers in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) were injured after an early morning attack by Haitian gangs.
The gangs were taking advantage of a transition power vacuum that was being experienced in the Caribbean country to stage attacks on the team stabilizing the area.
Two armored vehicles belonging to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti were set on fire in Kenskoff during a patrol around 2 am.
The thugs then posted videos on social media showing the armored vehicles in flames on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 7, MSSM disclosed that the attack occurred in Kenscoff at 2 am, after the forces, largely composed of Kenyan police officers, had responded to distress calls from area residents.
Officials said the attack was carried out to disrupt a planned Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) transition that was to take place today.
“In anticipation of today’s scheduled CPT transition, armed gangs had plotted to disrupt national stability and render the country ungovernable. However, these efforts were decisively thwarted through coordinated, around-the-clock patrols and a strong security presence,” the MSSM stated.
After responding to a distress call, armored vehicles carrying MSS forces were stuck in trenches dug by gangs, triggering the attack.
According to MSSM spokesperson Jack Ombaka, the gangs ambushed the officers using Molotov cocktails, improvised incendiary weapons made by attaching burning cloth to liquor bottles, and hurling them to ignite fires and cause damage.
Despite sustaining injuries, the officers were treated at the Aspen Level 2 Hospital and later discharged.
However, Ombaka noted that the officers could not salvage the vehicles, which were burnt and damaged beyond repair.
Ombaka revealed that the attackers sustained serious injuries despite managing to flee.
“MSS officers courageously held their ground, inflicting significant damage on the assailants, many of whom fled with serious injuries,” read the statement.
Ombaka affirmed that the forces would continue targeted operations until all gang leaders are either apprehended or voluntarily surrender to face justice.
The incident came barely two days after heavy gunfire was reported near the US embassy amid escalating gun violence.
On Monday evening, August 5, the United States issued a security alert, urging its citizens to avoid Port-au-Prince, Tabarre, and the area around the embassy. The area is among those seen as safer.
This attack raises new questions about the effectiveness and security of the multinational force’s operations in a context where armed groups are increasing their displays of force.
MSS stated that it has strengthened its security presence in collaboration with the Haitian National Police (PNH), notably through mobile and static patrols in the capital and several strategic areas of the country.
These actions have, according to the mission, facilitated the holding of official NS4 examinations without incidents, secured several critical infrastructures (including the international airport and the port), and allowed the reopening of strategic roads in Delmas, Téléco, Kenscoff, Furcy and Pétion-Ville.
Barely 1,000 officers have been deployed, far from the 2,500 initially promised.
Meanwhile, MSS police officers are increasing their training on “human rights” and managers. Kenya leads the MSS team in efforts to stabilize the country amid limited resources.
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