U.S. military planes have commenced landing in Haiti as part of a multinational initiative to quell the country's violence, which has been at a standstill for months, according to a report from The New York Times.
The effort, led by Kenya, will also include forces from six other nations. Brian A. Nichols, assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, stated last week, "The deployment of the multinational security support mission in Haiti is urgent, and we're doing all we can to advance that goal."
"Every day that passes is a missed opportunity to enhance security for the Haitian people. That's why we're working tirelessly, alongside our Kenyan partners, to advance this cause," he added.
The UN approved the mission seven months ago, but progress was delayed as Kenya dealt with internal conflicts that prevented it from leading the operation on the ground.
Local officials report that the obstacles have been overcome, and 1,000 police officers will lead a multinational force consisting of personnel from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica, according to the UN.
The national police have already developed plans and schedules to regain control from the gangs. However, the New York Times also reported that countries have so far contributed only a fraction of the estimated $600 million needed for the operation. Meanwhile, Haiti's recently-appointed transitional council is working to solidify its position after a chaotic start that led to a reversal in the appointment of a prime minister.
A faction within the council that had announced the selection of former Sports Minister Fritz Bélizaire last week has agreed to withdraw his appointment and return to electing a candidate from a list of approved candidates.
Haiti's streets remain engulfed in chaos, with new attacks by organized gangs last week. The attacks began late Wednesday evening in areas like Solino and Delmas 18, 20, and 24, located southwest of the main international airport, prompting many people to flee the areas.
Over 350,000 people have been forced from their homes, and millions are unable to go about their daily lives due to the ongoing street violence. Gangs are said to control about 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Natural disasters have compounded the situation, as heavy rains in the country have so far claimed 17 lives and flooded nearly 5,000 homes, according to the country's Civil Protection authorities. Most of the chaos has occurred in the country's largest city, Cap Haïtien.