Kenyan-led forces recapture Télcos Station from gangs in Haiti raid

Kenyan-led multinational forces in Haiti have regained control of a key area previously held by gangs, marking another step in efforts to restore order in the troubled Caribbean nation.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 25, 2025, MSS spokesman Jack Ombaka said that specialized units, working with the Haitian National Police (PNH), carried out a night raid and seized the Télcos Station, which had been under the control of gangs commanded by a figure known as “Izo2.”

“In the early hours of Monday, 25 August 2025, between 1:00 am. and 4:00 am, specialized units of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and the Haitian National Police (PNH) launched a coordinated night operation that successfully recaptured the Télcos Station from the grip of gangs led by the figure known as ‘Izo2’,” Ombaka said.

He revealed that the gangs faced heavy losses during the sweep, as the forces went door to door flushing out armed groups. Several gang members were arrested while a cache of weapons and materials was seized and handed over to the PNH.

“The gangs suffered heavy losses as the security forces conducted a methodical sweep, moving door to door to neutralize armed resistance. Several individuals attempting to flee or hide were apprehended, while a cache of weapons and other materials was seized and is now in PNH custody,” Ombaka said.

The statement further noted that the forces were also removing barriers put up by gangs to block access roads.

“As part of the operation, MSS and PNH teams are also clearing roadblocks that had been erected by gangs along routes leading to Télcos and Kenscoff, restoring safe passage for local communities.”

In a show of resolve, PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison and MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge stressed that armed gangs would no longer be allowed to operate with impunity.

Sending a strong and unambiguous message, PNH Director General Vladimir Paraison and MSS Force Commander Godfrey Otunge affirmed that the era of impunity for gangs is coming to an end,” the statement reads in part.

“They warned that those who continue to bear arms will face decisive action, while more targeted operations are already planned.”

The two commanders also praised residents for their cooperation, saying their resilience was key in ongoing security efforts.

“The leadership of both MSS and PNH extended their gratitude to the residents of Télcos and Kenscoff for their cooperation and resilience, assuring them of continued protection and renewed efforts to restore peace and stability in their communities,” the statement reads.

The latest raid comes at a time when the security mission faces serious financial challenges that could weaken its operations.

Last week, President William Ruto discussed the Haiti mission with United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, where both agreed on the need for stronger UN involvement.

“I have had a telephone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio, on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues,” Ruto stated on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

He added that they reached a consensus on the need for the United Nations Security Council to set up a support office for the Multinational Security Support mission.

“We concurred on the imperative and support for a resolution at the UN Security Council that establishes a UN support office for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, to aid efforts to stabilise and secure Haiti,” Ruto said.