US Deploys Military Equipment to Restore Order in Haiti.

On July 8, 2024, two C17 Globemaster cargo planes from the US Air Force delivered several MaxxPro armored vehicles, along with two Humvees and several trailers to Toussaint Louverture International Airport, marking a new phase of international support for Haiti under a multinational mission led by Kenya. This initiative comes as the United Nations has called for resolute action against the criminal gangs destabilizing the country.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

US delivers MaxxPro Armored Vehicles to Toussaint Louverture International Airport  (Picture source: Info a La Seconde)

The Biden administration has decided to send over $60 million in military aid to Haiti, including 80 Humvees, 35 MaxxPro vehicles, sniper rifles, and drones. A portion of this equipment has already arrived as part of the deployment of the multinational force aimed at stabilizing the country.

To recall, Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, is experiencing a prolonged security and political crisis, exacerbated by the 2010 earthquake, the assassination of its president Jovenel Moïse in 2021, and repeated natural disasters. Gang violence has reached unprecedented levels, controlling vast swathes of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and beyond, paralyzing normal economic activities and hindering governance and administrative efforts. The gangs fight for power and resources, causing massive population displacements and disruptions in access to basic services, plunging many regions into chaos and desolation.

In response to this situation, the international community, under the auspices of the United Nations, has taken steps to stabilize the country. Responding to the Haitian government's call for international assistance, Kenya has proposed to lead a multinational support mission with UN approval. This mission, which includes troops from several Caribbean nations, aims to restore public order, secure areas under gang control, and create the conditions necessary for free and fair elections. Although the United States has chosen not to send troops, they have pledged significant financial aid of over $300 million, as well as military equipment valued at up to $60 million.

The Kenyan support mission, initially composed of 400 troops, arrived in Haiti last month. In total, Kenya plans to send about 1,000 soldiers to work alongside military personnel from other Caribbean nations such as the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, and Jamaica. Although the United States has chosen not to deploy troops, they have pledged substantial financial assistance of more than $300 million, as well as military equipment valued at up to $60 million.

The commander of the Kenyan mission, Godfrey Otunge, emphasized his team's commitment to restoring order and laying the groundwork for free and fair elections in Haiti. "We intend to achieve this by working closely with Haitian authorities and local and international partners dedicated to a new Haiti," he said during a press conference where he took no questions.

Normil Rameau, head of the Haitian National Police, also stressed the importance of this international mission, indicating that it focuses on reclaiming areas controlled by gangs and supporting Haitian citizens displaced by violence to return home.

Furthermore, the leader of the gang coalition "G9 and Allies Family," Jimmy Cherisier, known as Barbecue, made a surprising statement in a video, announcing his group's willingness to lay down arms and start a dialogue for peace. "We are ready to appoint a credible Haitian citizen from the diaspora to facilitate this dialogue and end the mafia war that is crippling our country," he stated.

These developments come in a context of increased violence in Haiti, with more than 2,500 people killed or injured in the first three months of the year, according to the United Nations. The country, long plagued by instability, is now seeking to navigate towards a safer future with the help of the international community.

US delivers Humvees with Trailers to Toussaint Louverture International Airport  (Picture source: Info a La Seconde)

The MaxxPro, also known as M1224 in the U.S. Army, is a 4x4 wheeled combat vehicle in the category of MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected). It was designed and manufactured by the American company Navistar International to respond to an urgent request for protected vehicles for the U.S. Army during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The MaxxPro is designed to offer high protection against mine and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) blast effects using a crew capsule with a V-shaped hull, mounted on an International 7000 chassis. The MaxxPro in APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) variant has a crew of two, including a commander and driver, and can accommodate up to six military personnel. The vehicle has a combat weight of 18,650 kg and is powered by the MaxxForce D family engine model D8.7L16, Turbo inter-cooled, direct electronic injection, and four-stroke. It can run at a maximum speed of 105 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 600 km. 

MaxxPro vehicles, developed to provide exceptional protection, will play a crucial role in security operations in Haiti, where armed gangs pose a constant challenge. Specifically designed to resist attacks from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes, these armored vehicles ensure the safety of troops engaged in the fight against criminal factions. Their ability to navigate complex urban terrains is particularly useful in the dense environments of Port-au-Prince, where narrow alleys and obstacles can impede operations. Additionally, the imposing presence of the MaxxPro serves as a powerful deterrent, discouraging gangs from engaging in direct confrontations, thus helping to reduce violent confrontations and risks to civilians.

In addition to their direct role in combat, MaxxPro vehicles also facilitate rapid interventions and the secure transport of troops and equipment to critical areas, enabling a dynamic response to security incidents. This rapid action is essential for controlling and stabilizing hotspots of violence. Moreover, these vehicles perform vital logistical functions, such as transporting medical and food resources necessary to support field operations. The versatility of the MaxxPro makes it an indispensable asset for security forces in Haiti, significantly contributing to their efforts to restore peace and order in regions affected by gang activities.

US delivers MaxxPro Armored Vehicles to Toussaint Louverture International Airport  (Picture source: Info a La Seconde)