The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), working with Haitian police, has arrested 15 alleged gangsters during a week-long operation in Citede Soleil, a slum in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, UN forces said Friday.

Some of the detainees are considered kingpins in the Evans Gang kidnap ring. The UN said it would consider seeking more gangsters.

The improved security has allowed the reopening of the St Thomas of Boston school, which had been used by gang members. The UN soldiers, known as blue helmets, helped to restore the buildings to provide education for poor children living in Cite de Soleil.

In February, the MINUSTAH forces arrested 142 in military operations targeting armed gangs responsible for kidnappings and violence in Port-au-Prince.

MINUSTAH was set up in 2004 to help re-establish peace in Haiti, and its mandate expires on October 15.
 
(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2007)