Reports say that the United Nations Security Council has given its approval for a foreign security mission to Haiti, after the country asked for help to combat the violent gangs that have a large portion of control of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

According to Reuters, the council adopted a resolution that authorizes the Multinational Security Support mission “to take all necessary measures”.

“More than just a simple vote, this is in fact an expression of solidarity with a population in distress,” Haiti’s Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus told the UN council.

“It’s a glimmer of hope for the people that have for too long been suffering.”

“We have stepped up to create a new way of preserving global peace and security, answering the repeated calls of a member state facing a multi-dimensional crisis amid alarming spiraling gang violence,” said senior US diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis.

The fight against gangs

The new outlet reports that the Security Council also expanded a UN arms embargo to include all gangs.

Haitian officials have reportedly said that many of the guns used by gangs are believed to be imported from the US. The embargo previously only applied to specific individuals.

Kenya will be leading the security mission, having pledged 1,000 police. The Bahamas has also committed 150 people, with Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda also declaring support.