Haiti Gangs Continue Attacks Despite Kenyan Forces

In a troubling development for Haiti, armed gangs have intensified their violent activities outside the capital, Port-au-Prince, despite the recent arrival of an international police force. A significant incident occurred in late July when members of one of the country's largest gangs launched a brutal attack on the town of Ganthier, located approximately 25 miles east of the capital. The assault resulted in the destruction of the local police station and the torture and murder of several residents, leaving the town in a state of fear and abandonment. Mayor Jean Vilonor Victor reported that the streets of Ganthier were deserted by the time police reinforcements arrived in armored vehicles, highlighting the gangs' ability to strike swiftly and retreat before law enforcement could respond effectively. This incident underscores the ongoing security crisis that has plagued Haiti for years, as the government struggles to regain control amid escalating violence and instability. The attack on Ganthier is indicative of the broader challenges facing Haiti, which has endured three years of rampant violence, mass migration, and economic collapse. The international security force, backed by the United Nations, was deployed to assist in restoring order, yet the gangs continue to operate with impunity, raising concerns about the effectiveness of external intervention. As the situation unfolds, the Haitian government remains under pressure to address the root causes of the violence and to protect its citizens from the relentless threat posed by armed groups. The future of security in Haiti hangs in the balance as the international community watches closely.