Haiti graduates 339 soldiers to reinforce the fight against armed gangs

Port-au-Prince .- A group of 339 Haitian soldiers graduated this Tuesday at a military base in Port-au-Prince with the purpose of joining other soldiers who are fighting the armed gangs, which have plunged the Caribbean country into violence amid a resurgence of attacks. Error en el proceso de traducción During graduation, the sound of intense background gunfire reminded the new soldiers of their mission. These new members of the Armed Forces have taken an oath of loyalty, committing to respect the Constitution and to "serve and defend" the nation.

Formed by experienced instructors and monitors, these recruits have followed a rigorous basic training program, which also contemplates respect for human rights, gender equality and civil protection, affirmed the Haitian Ministry of Defense on its Facebook page.

Military authorities intend to reinforce the operational capabilities of the Haitian Armed Forces by increasing their personnel and their level of specialization, the statement added. They anticipate the incorporation of 1,200 soldiers in the coming days, supported by the upcoming opening of three recruitment offices in the country.

Violence Doesn't Stop

The Haitian National Police (PNH) also announced that it killed at least 10 alleged members of the Viv Ansanm coalition gangs, who have again invaded the town of Seguin, located in the commune of Marigot, in the South department, a commune that had remained free from the control of armed gangs. "The specialized units of the PNH have successfully repelled an armed attack by terrorist gangs," reads this statement, in which they reported that the situation is under control and three weapons were recovered. The PNH assured that, after the operation, they remain in the area to prevent reprisals.

Meanwhile, in the Plaine du Cul de Sac, at the northern entrance to Port-au-Prince, two coalitions of armed groups continue to clash over territorial control, which has forced hundreds of people to flee this densely populated area.

Consequences in Trade

The Rhum Barbancourt liquor company, which operates on site, reported this Tuesday in a statement on the consequences of these clashes between rival gangs that are taking place near its distillery.

"Several sugarcane plots have caught fire. For the moment, neither production nor infrastructure has been affected. We are closely monitoring the evolution of the security situation day by day," the firm said.

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