Launching of Operation “Phoenix” to secure Port-au Prince key neighborhoods

Port-au-Prince, July 14, 2011 , military troops of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), supported by the United Nations Police (UNPOL), the United Nations Formed Police Unit (FPU) jointly with the Haitian National Police (HNP) have launched ‘Operation Phoenix’ to secure key areas in Port-au-Prince neighborhoods. The multi-day operation combines a large deployment of forces and Civil and Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities.

“Early today, we sent more than 2,100 peacekeepers into the neighborhoods of Cité Soleil, Martissant and Bel Air to disrupt criminal activity. Once our security operations are complete, MINUSTAH will be undertaking multiple CIMIC activities with the residents,” said Maj. Gen. Luiz Ramos, MINUSTAH Force Commander. “These CIMIC activities include clearing debris and garbage from the streets, setting up dental and medical health care clinics, and engineering works and road improvements in Port-au– Prince.”

There should be no significant interruption of movement for the residents of Port-au-Prince, according to the military component Chief of Staff, Col. Steve Charpentier.

The intent of Operation Phoenix is to assist the Haitian authorities in providing security and stability for the people in the Port-au-Prince area. “We want to show the population that MINUSTAH, according to its mandate, remains determined to fight against crime in Haiti, in support of Haitian authorities. Very importantly, we want to show the Haitian people MINUSTAH’s commitment to bringing them rule of law”, Maj. Gen. Luiz Ramos underscored.

Lead battalions involved in Operation Phoenix include the Sri Lankan Battalion and the First and Second Brazilian Battalions but every unit (ground, maritime and air) were tasked in some way to support Operation Phoenix.

“This will be a multi-day operation that is designed to provide long-term presence in these neighborhoods to reinforce trust and confidence between the residents, HNP and MINUSTAH”, added Ramos.