Chadian Troops Arrive in Haiti for UN Anti-Gang Mission

An advance team of Chadian soldiers arrived in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Wednesday, signaling the start of a United Nations-authorized international mission to combat the country's escalating gang violence. The troops, part of a newly formed Gang Suppression Force requested by the Haitian government, were joined by Jack Christofides, the mission's special representative.

The deployment marks a shift from the previous Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission, which operated with only about 1,000 personnel out of a planned 2,500 and faced chronic funding shortages. Approved by the U.N. Security Council in late September, the new force aims to reach 5,500 members, primarily military, along with 50 civilians. Unlike its predecessor, it has broader authority to conduct independent operations alongside Haiti's national police and to arrest suspected gang members directly.

The U.N. Support Office in Haiti has met its commitments to provide comprehensive logistical backing, including accommodations, medical services, rations, utilities, fuel, ground transport, and aviation support. Two helicopters have been deployed to facilitate movement between Port-au-Prince and...