Plaine du Cul-de-Sac: Helicopter Hit as Haitian National Police and MSSM Attempt to Neutralize Lanmò San Jou

CROIX-DES-BOUQUETS, Haiti.— The Haitian National Police (PNH), supported by Kenyan units of the Multinational Security Support Mission, is conducting a large-scale armed operation in La Plaine to neutralize the powerful gang leader “Lanmò San Jou,” a central figure of the 400 Mawozo criminal group. According to consistent sources, four helicopters are participating in the intervention. Since 9:35 AM, three of them have been attempting to approach the presumed residence of the gang leader, in a maneuver aimed at supporting ground units tasked with his arrest or neutralization. The operation marks a turning point in the security strategy of Haitian and international forces in the metropolitan area. This offensive comes in a particularly volatile climate. In early November, “Lanmò San Jou” had publicly accused businessman Andy Apaid of links to drug and organ trafficking, statements that sent shockwaves through political, economic, and security circles. While no authority has established a direct link between these accusations and the ongoing intervention, several analysts believe they contributed to accelerating operations against the leader of the 400 Mawozo. A helicopter hit, emergency landing in Santo 9 The situation took a critical turn when a helicopter involved in the assault was hit by gunfire from the area controlled by “Lanmò San Jou”'s men. The aircraft, which was transporting approximately twenty Kenyan soldiers, had to make an emergency landing in Wilson Janvier park, in Santo 9. No official report has yet been released regarding potential injuries or material damage. However, sources close to the matter assure that Kenyan police officers quickly secured the perimeter after the forced landing. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports indicate “serious difficulties” encountered by gang members, suggesting significant progress by the units engaged on the ground. Reports mention the death of a lieutenant of Lanmò San Jou named Ti Lyon and the seizure of a Barret M-82 assault rifle, which was in the gang's possession. La Plaine cordoned off, residents on high alert Several sectors of La Plaine have been temporarily closed to traffic, while families have moved to escape the areas of confrontation. The sound of helicopters, heavy gunfire, and the advance of armed units have plunged the population into deep concern. The 400 Mawozo gang, notoriously known for its bloody operations of kidnappings, extortion, and armed attacks, has for years exerted a feared influence over this part of the metropolitan area. The ongoing operation is therefore perceived as a major test of the capacity of Haitian and international forces to regain control of the territory. For now, neither the PNH nor the Kenyan mission has released a report or confirmed the presence of “Lanmò San Jou” in the targeted residence. Authorities are expected to speak in the coming hours to specify the exact objectives and initial results of this particularly sensitive intervention. Meanwhile, La Plaine remains under high tension, awaiting the outcome of an operation that could mark a turning point in the fight against one of the country's most violent criminal groups.