UN-backed force in Haiti to deploy fully by summer, envoy says

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 22 (Reuters) - A U.N.-backed security force deployed to Haiti to help local police fight off armed gangs that have taken over much of the country should reach its new full-strength by the summer of 2026, the U.N.'s special envoy for Haiti said on Thursday.

Carlos Ruiz said more troops should arrive by April and that the force should reach its full strength - envisioned at 5,500 troops - by the this summer, or fall at latest.

Around 1,000 are currently in Haiti as part of the force, whose deployment has been marked by delays and severe lack of funding.