U.N. approves sending international force to Haiti to help quell gang violence

United Nations — The U.N. Security Council voted Monday to approve sending a multinational force to Haiti with the goal of combatting extreme gang violence that has spiraled in recent years.

With 13 votes in favor, the Security Council approved sending a one-year, non-U.N. force that will be led by Kenya, which has committed to sending 1,000 security personnel. The force is expected to include personnel from Jamaica, Barbados and several other nations. The mission was authorized under the "use of force" provision of the U.N. Charter.

Both Russia and China abstained, allowing the measure to pass.