From June 28 to 30, 2014, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah) conducted with the Haitian National Police (PNH) a joint security operation in the Bellecourt area of Cité Soleil. Of the 382 UN peacekeepers who participated in the mission, 273 came from the military component, with the other 109 from United Nations police (UNPol).

During the operation, the PNH arrested 34 persons suspected of committing crimes; of those suspects, 18 were confirmed active gang members in the area.

The operation with peacekeepers from the military and police components of Minustah in support to PNH, was carried out in order to deter gang activity, apprehend sought criminals and assist the Government of Haiti in reinforcing rule of law in Bellecourt, a vulnerable community in the capital.

In support of PNH and UNPOL, units from the military component carried out a cordon of the Bellecourt area on June 28, enabling the HNP to make searches and execute court orders at specific points.

These initial cordon operations were followed by 48 hours of coordinated joint patrols by the military component, PNH and UNPOL in Bellecourt.

On June 30, the operation concluded with a civil-military coordination (CIMIC) event at Bellecourt. The military component provided services to more than 1,300 local residents, including distribution of water, medical treatment, haircuts, dental kits and entertainment for children.

HL/ HaitiLibre