The United States has delivered 20 armored vehicles to Haiti’s newly established Gang Suppression Force (GSF) — the first major equipment shipment for the 5,500-member UN-backed mission created to tackle rampant gang violence across the country.
Despite the delivery, no official deployment date has been announced. Key questions also remain about the GSF’s funding sources, aside from voluntary contributions, and how its members are being recruited, as the force is still in its formative stages.
“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 an Oct. 8 statement, reaffirming Washington’s support for the country’s security efforts.
The GSF succeeds the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), whose mandate expired on Oct. 2 after achieving limited progress against armed groups that now control roughly 90% of Port-au-Prince. The new force — composed of both military and police personnel — aims to reinforce anti-gang operations and lay the groundwork for Haiti’s return to democratic governance.
The U.S. Permanent Mission to the UN confirmed last week that discussions are underway with member states, including Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations, to coordinate the GSF’s structure and eventual deployment.
Meanwhile, Guatemala has become the first country to pledge new personnel for the mission. Some 150 Guatemalan military officers, including 19 women, are currently in training to join the GSF. Colonel Alfredo Sáenz said the United Nations has not yet requested their deployment but noted the troops are ready to assist once 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 previously sent a similar-sized contingent to the MSS, which remains stationed in Haiti awaiting the transition.
For now, the United States says it will maintain its support as the new mission takes shape — a crucial move amid persistent violence and political instability in Haiti, where communities continue to endure daily attacks from heavily armed gangs.
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