Monday, December 19, 2022 around 9:00 p.m. as part of a joint operation to neutralize bandits from the "kokorat San Ras" gang, agents of the Departmental Unit for Maintaining Order (UDMO) of Gonaïves, of the Special Brigade anti-gang of the Departmental Directorate of Artibonite and the Intervention Brigade of the Commissariat of Gonaives intervened at the Croix Périsse (communal section of Estère).

During the assault and under intense exchanges of fire, the "Kokorat" bus caught fire under the numerous impacts of fire from the police. The routed bandits fled into the surrounding woods. The local police have cordoned off the perimeter of the area and continue to search for the individuals on the run who are hiding in the vicinity of the site of the confrontation.

The Departmental Direction is determined to eradicate the gangs of Artibonite and to destroy their logistics including their infrastructures and means of transport.

Investigations are underway into the various personalities of various strains who are believed to be complicit with the Department's gangs.

TB/ iciHaiti