The U.S. military has announced it would deliver 24 additional armoured vehicles to Kenyan police deployed in Haiti.
The Kenyan police are heading a long-delayed security operation in the conflict-ravaged island nation.
400 Kenyan police, leading a U.N.-ratified security mission are mandated to fight heavily armed gangs in Haiti.
The gangs have taken over most of the capital.
The U.S. Southern Command, the Department of Defense’s joint military command covering Latin America and the Caribbean known as SouthCom, said it would deliver the mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) MaxxPros to the capital’s main airport via U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft.
The deliveries would start from Friday, adding to an existing fleet of 10 U.S.-provided MRAPs.
It will also deliver 34 Overhead Gunner Protection Kits, or “turrets,” which military-funded contractors will install onto the armoured vehicles to boost their field view during joint operations with the national police.
CNN journalist Larry Madowo has shared how Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti saved his life and others during an attack.
Madowo shared exclusive footage of the police officers engaging in battle with a gang.
The gang targeted Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille as he left the General Hospital, also known as the Hospital of the State University of Haiti.
The PM had walked into the hospital with the CNN crew led by Madowo.
He was also accompanied by Haitian National Police (HNP) Director General Normil Rameau and the General Commander of The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) Godfrey Otunge.