ARTICLE - OPERATION "HOPE"

OPERATION "HOPE" IN MARTISSANT AND BEL AIR
(Haiti Libre) -

From October 25 to 28, military troops of the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Haiti (Minustah), police officers and formed police units (FPU) of the component of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) have supported the Haitian National Police (PNH) in the anti-crime joint operation, "HOPE" in the neighborhoods of Martissant and Bel Air, in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. This operation was followed by civil-military activities in favor of people of these neighborhoods.

In support of the staff of the PNH, more than 2,100 peacekeepers of the military force, 120 policemen and 480 elements (16 platoons) of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) have participated in this operation. The battalions based in Port-au-Prince have been reinforced by troops from other units across the country. The operation involved a large team of infantry and air assets of the Mission.

The purpose of the "HOPE" operation was to stop criminal activities in these areas and give a strong signal to criminals and people of Port-au-Prince that the Government of Haiti and the Minustah remain firmly committed to fighting against crime. One of the main objectives was to target known criminals and stop their activities in these areas and prevent further criminal activity to facilitate and accelerate their stabilization. The operation has enabled the Haitian authorities to apprehend seven suspects wanted for criminal activities, some of who have escaped from prison.

During the operation, in order to not disrupt the daily protection activities conducted in Port au Prince, the Formed Police Unit (FPU) of the Mission based in nearby areas were temporarily redeployed in the capital, particularly in and around IDP camps.

8,900 peacekeepers, 1,351 police officers and 2,940 elements of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) of the component of the UN police (UNPOL) are currently deployed to Haiti in support of Haitian institutions.

The Minustah will continue to support the National Police in its anti-crime actions and the Government to strengthen the rule of law in the country.