In recent months, the tragic consequences of security operations in Haiti have come to light, highlighting alarming trends in the use of military force against civilians. Reports from Human Rights Watch indicate that drone strikes executed by Haitian security forces have claimed over 1,200 lives since March 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and reform in the region’s approach to violent crime. Amidst the chaos, innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of a conflict driven by longstanding issues and exacerbated by external military interventions.
Drone strikes operated by Haitian security forces and private contractors have killed at least 1,243 people and injured 738 in Haiti, according to a report from Human Rights Watch (HRW). Since March 2025, these operations, supported by Vectus Global, a U.S.-licensed private military firm, have targeted gang activity using explosive-laden quadcopter drones in densely populated areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The HRW report reveals that between March 1, 2025, and January 21, 2026, strikes in the West Department—home to Port-au-Prince—resulted in the deaths of 17 children and 43 adults, none of whom were affiliated with criminal groups. “Haitian authorities should urgently rein in the security forces and private contractors working for them before more children die,” stated Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at HRW.
The data indicates a stark increase in drone attacks within Port-au-Prince, currently 90 percent controlled by gangs. Reports show 57 documented strikes from November to late January, nearly doubling the 29 recorded from August through October. HRW researchers analyzed seven videos uploaded to social media or shared directly with the organization, confirming the use of drones in strikes that geolocate to Port-au-Prince.
The video evidence displayed quadcopter drones equipped with explosives targeting vehicles and individuals, many of whom appeared to present no immediate threat. Despite this increasing military reliance, HRW noted that there is no widespread use of drones among criminal groups.
One notable incident occurred on September 20 in the Simon Pele neighborhood, a community dominated by a gang of the same name. This drone strike resulted in the deaths of nine people, including three children, during an event where the gang leader was distributing gifts to local children. A resident recounted a heart-wrenching instance where an explosion severely injured an infant. The mourning mother of a young victim expressed the profound reality for families living under gang control: “In the spaces where the gangs are, there are innocent people, people who raise their children, who follow normal paths.”
HRW has reported that the families of the deceased faced barriers to mourning, as the gang-controlled funeral access and arrangements were tightly regulated. Last month, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti stated that it had no indication of any investigations into the casualties resulting from these drone strikes. Furthermore, the UN’s high commissioner for human rights characterized the drone operations as disproportionate and potentially unlawful, underscoring the pressing need for more careful and humane approaches to the ongoing situation in Haiti.
#PoliticsNews #WorldNews