Weekly Report July 23 to July 30

Haitian Police Face Rising Death Toll as Gang Violence Escalates Nationwide

Haiti’s deepening security crisis claimed the lives of four police officers over the past week in targeted gang attacks, as violence continues to spread beyond the capital. These killings occurred in the mountainous commune of Kenscoff and in the Artibonite region, marking a further deterioration in public safety and highlighting the growing reach of armed groups. In response, the Haitian National Police (PNH) has stepped up anti-gang operations and initiated a leadership change in Artibonite. Meanwhile, the United States is increasing pressure on Haiti’s political elite, with arrests and visa restrictions targeting individuals suspected of links to gang violence.

On July 25, Officer Mackly Rotchy Alexis was killed and two colleagues were injured during an ambush in Kenscoff. The attack, attributed to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, took place near an anti-gang operations base established jointly by the police and the Haitian Armed Forces. Alexis, a member of the PNH's 33rd graduating class, was fatally shot, while the two wounded officers, both from the 20th class, were hospitalized. PNH officials believe the ambush was in retaliation for a recent crackdown on gangs from Carrefour, Grand-Ravin, and Village-de-Dieu, led by Christ-roi “Krisla” Chéry, Renel “Tilapli” Destina, and Johnson “Izo” André.

Earlier that week, on July 21, three police officers were killed in Liancourt, Artibonite. Gunmen from the Gran Grif gang, based in Savien, ambushed their patrol and set fire to their armored vehicle. They later circulated video footage of the attack, underscoring the gang’s boldness. One officer remains missing. The PNH condemned the killings, stating that the blood of fallen officers should fuel renewed determination within the force.

In the aftermath of the Artibonite attack, the PNH appointed Jean Frenel Beauvoir as the new Departmental Director of Police, replacing Karlebe Exantus, who had served in the role for just nine months. During his installation ceremony in Gonaïves on July 25, Inspector General Joany Canéus emphasized the importance of strengthening the judicial police, supporting the justice system, and assisting officers in the field. Beauvoir pledged to deliver concrete results and work closely with local communities to reclaim roads and dismantle gang-controlled areas. He stressed that restoring security would require collaboration from all sectors of society.

Beauvoir’s appointment follows a series of violent events in mid-2024 that left hundreds dead in Artibonite communities such as Pont-Sondé, Liancourt, L’Estère, Terre-Neuve, Petite-Rivière, La Croix Périsse, and Gros-Morne. Exantus had replaced Paul Ménard Jean-Louis at that time amid public criticism for ineffective responses. Despite limited resources, Exantus praised the sacrifice of officers and acknowledged the recent death of Fadens Tilus, also known as “Meyè,” the leader of the Kokorat San Ras gang.

UNICEF Staff Released After Abduction in Haiti Amid Escalating Kidnapping Crisis

Five UNICEF employees were released Monday night after being held captive for three weeks by an armed gang in Haiti, underscoring the country’s worsening security crisis and the growing use of kidnappings as a means of financing criminal operations.

The abductions took place on July 7 during an authorized UNICEF mission in Port-au-Prince, in an area under gang control. According to a statement from UNICEF, six staff members were taken, with one released the following day. The organization did not confirm whether any ransom was paid.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a primary funding mechanism for gangs in Haiti, who are increasingly using the proceeds to purchase weapons and expand their operations. As these groups entrench their influence in the capital and beyond, they have transitioned from relying on wealthy patrons to self-financing through extortion, roadblocks, and abductions.

United Nations data indicates that nearly 350 kidnappings occurred in the first half of 2025 alone. This follows a record 1,494 abductions in 2024, reflecting a dramatic surge in gang activity. These figures represent a sharp rise from prior years and suggest a worsening trend in public security.

Despite these statistics, the actual number of kidnappings is believed to be significantly higher, as many incidents go unreported due to fear, lack of trust in law enforcement, and systemic corruption.

Some gang leaders have begun facing international legal consequences. In March, U.S. prosecutors indicted Johnson “Izo” Andre, leader of the 5 Segond gang, for the 2023 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen. In May, Germine Joly, former head of the 400 Mawozo gang, was convicted in Miami for orchestrating the 2021 abduction of 16 Americans. Joly, already serving a 35-year sentence on unrelated gun trafficking charges, now awaits sentencing for the hostage case.

UNICEF confirmed that the released employees are receiving medical and psychological support and have been reunited with their families. The organization reiterated the importance of protecting humanitarian workers under international law.

“Humanitarian personnel are not and should never be a target,” UNICEF stated. “They provide essential assistance to the most vulnerable, including children and families affected by crisis. We urge all parties to respect and protect our mission.”

U.S. Senators Demand Answers on Alleged Deployment of American Private Military Contractors in Haiti

A coalition of U.S. Senators has issued a formal letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, raising urgent concerns over reports that a U.S.-based private military contractor (PMC), allegedly led by Blackwater founder Erik Prince, has been contracted by Haiti’s transitional government to carry out armed operations using U.S.-origin drones, weapons, and personnel.

The letter, signed by nine Democratic Senators including Edward J. Markey, Elizabeth Warren, Raphael Warnock, and Bernie Sanders, calls for immediate clarification from the Executive Branch regarding whether the operation is authorized under U.S. law. It questions whether the deployment has violated U.S. arms export controls, international human rights standards, and whether it undermines the United Nations–sanctioned Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, currently active in Haiti.

According to reporting by The New York Times and other sources, the transitional Haitian government has contracted a PMC linked to Prince to deploy approximately 150 armed personnel, provide weapons, and operate armed drones in Port-au-Prince in a bid to combat heavily entrenched gangs. Public reports suggest arms have already been shipped and the paramilitary deployment is expected to begin this summer.

The Senators emphasize that any such transfer of military services or weapons would require prior authorization under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). They note that, if licenses were issued, it would be difficult to reconcile with the Trump administration’s reinstated National Security Presidential Memorandum-10 (NSPM-10), which mandates human rights due diligence as part of arms transfer decisions. If licenses were not issued, they warn, such activities could constitute violations of federal law.

The letter also highlights potential implications under the Leahy Law, which prohibits the U.S. government from providing assistance to foreign security units involved in gross human rights violations. Although the Leahy Law does not directly govern private contractors, its provisions may apply to Haitian National Police (HNP) units receiving U.S. assistance if they are found to be coordinating with the U.S. PMC in question. The HNP has been repeatedly cited by human rights groups and the United Nations for alleged extrajudicial killings and other abuses.

The Senators expressed concern over the apparent contradiction in the administration’s posture toward Haiti. While citing dangerous conditions as justification for U.S. contractor intervention, the Department of Homeland Security recently announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals effective August 2025. At the same time, President Trump has added Haiti to a new travel ban, effectively blocking Haitian asylum-seekers from entering the United States.

“These two actions are contradictory: the Administration claims Haiti is safe enough to deport Haitians back to, but at the same time, so dangerous it requires armed American contractors,” the Senators wrote.

The letter requests detailed answers by August 15, including whether export licenses were issued, if human rights assessments were conducted under NSPM-10, whether the Department of State coordinated with the MSS mission, and how the administration reconciles its security and immigration policies concerning Haiti.

The outreach comes amid escalating humanitarian and security crises in Haiti. The United Nations estimates that over 1.3 million people are displaced, with half being children. Nearly 50 percent of Haitians face acute food insecurity, and 42 percent of Port-au-Prince’s health facilities are non-operational due to violence. The UN recently warned that the Haitian capital risks falling entirely into the hands of criminal armed groups without urgent international action.

The Senators conclude that “the unchecked deployment of a U.S. private military contractor with a troubling history represents an urgent threat to U.S. legal obligations, credibility, and responsibilities to protect vulnerable populations.”

The Biden-era Conventional Arms Transfer (CAT) policy had emphasized human rights safeguards but was rescinded in March 2025 by President Trump, who replaced it with an earlier version promoting expedited arms sales and looser restrictions. The recent executive order streamlining defense sales has intensified scrutiny from lawmakers and watchdog groups concerned about oversight and accountability in conflict zones.

U.S. Citizen and Former Navy Veteran from Broward County Missing in Haiti; Assisted U.S. PMC Studebaker

The disappearance of Patrice Miot Jacquet, a 52-year-old dual Haitian–American citizen, hotel manager, and former U.S. Navy serviceman from Broward County, Florida, has raised alarm amid Haiti’s worsening security crisis. Jacquet, who lived in Fort Lauderdale and managed a hotel in Port-au-Prince, has been missing since December 16, 2024, after reportedly being detained by Haitian police under unclear circumstances.

At the time of his disappearance, Jacquet was providing logistical and operational assistance to Studebaker Defense Group, a U.S.-based private military contractor (PMC) operating in Haiti under a formal agreement with the transitional government . His hotel reportedly served as a logistical hub for the movement of Studebaker personnel and materials, making him a key local point of contact in support operations.

Jacquet’s disappearance followed a series of troubling incidents, including the theft of firearms from Haitian National Police (PNH) storage, the disappearance of a police officer, and the ambush of another hotel manager linked to the weapons cache. That individual’s bullet-ridden vehicle was later discovered abandoned near a police station. Witnesses claimed Jacquet was forcibly taken by authorities, prompting investigations by both the Haitian National Police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Studebaker Defense Group was reportedly contracted by the Haitian transitional government in September 2024 to support PNH efforts to combat gangs and regain territorial control. The firm includes former U.S. military and intelligence officials among its leadership, including retired General Wesley Clark . While Studebaker asserts its operations are strictly non-combat and advisory in nature, multiple reports suggest that its contractors have participated in joint operations with Haitian security forces. One such operation in October 2024 resulted in a failed raid where a Multinational Security Support (MSS) armored vehicle was abandoned and destroyed.

The contract with Studebaker has generated criticism for its lack of transparency. Members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council have reportedly not been fully briefed on the arrangement, including the number of contractors deployed, the nature of their operations, or how coordination is handled with the Kenyan-led U.N. Multinational Security Support Mission. Concerns have been raised that the presence of an unregulated PMC could undermine multilateral stabilization efforts and erode accountability mechanisms.

Studebaker Defense Group markets itself as a provider of drone surveillance, intelligence support, crisis response, aviation logistics, and specialized training in complex environments. Its team reportedly includes individuals formerly associated with U.S. Special Forces, intelligence agencies, and other global private security entities . Although the company has not issued a public statement on Jacquet’s disappearance, it remains active in Haiti’s ongoing security operations.

Jacquet’s family and friends have launched appeals for information, sharing his image on social media and calling on Haitian authorities and U.S. diplomatic officials to ensure a full investigation into his case. Human rights observers have also called for clarification regarding the legal basis for private U.S. contractors operating in Haiti and the risks posed to civilians assisting those entities.

As of this writing, neither the Haitian government nor Studebaker Defense Group has publicly confirmed Jacquet’s whereabouts or the circumstances of his disappearance. The case has become a flashpoint in the broader debate about foreign military involvement and private security forces operating amid Haiti’s deteriorating law-and-order environment.

Citations

1. Miami Media Group. How a U.S. Citizen, Broward Resident, Former Navy Serviceman Went Missing in Haiti. miamediagrp.com

2. The New York Times. A Desperate Haiti Turns to Erik Prince, Trump Ally, in Fight Against Gangs. May 28, 2025. nytimes.com

3. Miami Herald via Facebook. Missing Hotel Manager Patrice Miot Jacquet. December 2024. facebook.com

4. Studebaker Defense Group. Corporate Website and Promotional Materials. studebakerdefense.com

5. Stars and Stripes (Bluesky Feed). Reports of U.S. PMC Support to Haitian National Police. January 2025. bsky.app

VIV AYITI Calls for Transparency and Accountability in Haitian National Police Leadership

The civic movement VIV AYITI, in collaboration with the organization UNIFÒS, issued strong criticism of Haitian National Police (HNP) Director General Normil Rameau during a press conference held in Delmas on Tuesday, July 29. VIV AYITI spokesperson Rony Timothé voiced deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country, attributing it to mismanagement, ineffective leadership, and a lack of transparency within the HNP.

According to Timothé, more than 117 million gourdes were reportedly disbursed to strengthen national security, protect police facilities, prevent officer casualties, and support the return of internally displaced persons. Despite this financial investment, he stated that results on the ground remain severely lacking. He referenced multiple recent incidents to illustrate what he described as operational failures, including the destruction of armored vehicles in Kenscoff on March 16, April 23, and July 25; the attack and destruction of the Fusy police station on July 11 and 12; the fatal shooting of a UTAG officer in Lachaapelle on July 24; and the murder of three police officers and the burning of another armored vehicle in Liancourt on July 19.

Timothé further criticized the lack of transparency from police leadership, asserting that official press releases often reference security operations involving helicopters and clashes with armed groups, but no verifiable evidence—such as recovered weapons, bodies, or other physical proof—is ever made public. He also questioned the silence of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC), which he accused of failing to investigate potential corruption and financial mismanagement within the HNP, despite actively intervening in other sectors of government.

In closing, Timothé posed several pointed questions to the authorities: Are the affected areas now secure? Have the displaced populations returned to their homes? Has the killing of police officers ceased? He emphasized that the Haitian people are demanding clear, direct answers and more importantly, visible and concrete results in the nation’s security efforts.

Haiti Strengthens Security Forces with International Training Amid Ongoing Crisis

As gang violence escalates in the capital, President of the Transitional Presidential Council Fritz Alphonse Jean announced that 400 Haitian police officers will be deployed to Brazil in August for specialized training. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to reinforce the operational capabilities of Haiti’s security forces.

The announcement comes amid worsening insecurity, with recent estimates indicating that nearly 90 percent of Port-au-Prince is under the control of armed groups. In a nation of approximately 12 million people, Haiti has only around 10,000 active police officers and 1,300 soldiers, a force widely acknowledged as inadequate to address the scale of the current security crisis.

To respond to these challenges, the government has launched a series of international training programs. In addition to the upcoming deployment to Brazil, 150 Haitian soldiers were recently sent to Mexico for similar training. These personnel are expected to integrate with the United Nations-mandated Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenya, which seeks to reestablish territorial control and improve public safety.

“Haiti is weak, and we need special training,” Jean stated, emphasizing the urgency of enabling the return of the more than 1.3 million internally displaced persons, as reported by the United Nations.

Despite the training initiatives, Jean faces growing criticism ahead of the expected conclusion of his mandate on August 7. Since taking office on March 7, 2025, he pledged the implementation of a "war budget," the creation of an intelligence agency, and a strategic partnership between the Brigade for Environmental and Agricultural Security (BSAP) and the Haitian National Police (HNP). However, many of these commitments have yet to materialize, leading to disappointment among observers and comparisons with fellow council members Edgard Leblanc and Leslie Voltaire.

Amid an uncertain political future, Jean continues to reaffirm his commitment to democratic elections and the peaceful transfer of power. However, no election date has been announced, and Haiti has experienced a prolonged absence of electoral processes in recent years.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to rise. Between October 2024 and June 2025, over 4,800 people were killed, with hundreds more injured, kidnapped, raped, or trafficked. The United Nations has characterized the situation in Haiti as an extreme humanitarian catastrophe.

Jason “Zeke” Petrie: Background and Legal Exposure Amid Gang Terror Designation in Haiti

Jason William “Zeke” Petrie, a U.S. citizen from Barberton, Ohio, first came to public attention in May 2012 after being arrested in Haiti during a pro-army demonstration. Petrie was reportedly driving individuals dressed in military fatigues who were calling for the reinstatement of Haiti’s disbanded armed forces. He was detained along with over 50 others and initially charged with conspiracy, criminal association, and attempted murder. However, these charges were later dropped by Haitian authorities due to a lack of evidence, and Petrie was released under judicial supervision. His arrest at the time highlighted growing tensions in Haiti over national security, demilitarization, and the presence of foreign nationals in politically charged movements.

In recent months, Petrie’s name has resurfaced in social media posts and commentary in reference to his involvement with Haitian gang networks. One post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that Petrie was “working closely with the gangs in Haiti” and referenced supposed interactions with known gang coalitions.

Since 2024, several Haitian gangs, including the Viv Ansanm coalition, have been officially designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) by the U.S. government and international partners. These designations were made under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and related counterterrorism statutes. Under U.S. federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 2339B, it is a criminal offense to knowingly provide material support or resources to an organization that has been designated as a terrorist entity. Violations of this statute carry significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment if the support results in death.

To prosecute Petrie under this law, the government must prove that the individual knowingly provided services, personnel, or other material support to a designated FTO and that they were aware of the group’s designation or its involvement in terrorist activity. Activities such as logistical assistance, transportation, communications support, financial facilitation, or operational coordination may all qualify as material support if tied to a designated group. Speech or political advocacy alone is not sufficient for prosecution; there must be tangible support or participation in activities benefiting a terrorist organization after its official designation.

The seriousness of these federal designations, combined with increasing scrutiny of foreign actors operating within Haiti’s crisis zones, suggests that any confirmed involvement with these groups would trigger immediate investigative interest by U.S. authorities.

Réginald Boulos Faces U.S. Deportation Amid Allegations of Gang Ties

On July 26, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the impending deportation of Haitian businessman Pierre Réginald Boulos. He was reportedly detained in the United States for failing to disclose alleged involvement in criminal activities linked to armed groups in Haiti, an omission considered a violation of U.S. immigration law. According to ICE, Boulos is suspected of supporting violent campaigns aimed at destabilizing Haiti. Upon his return, he is expected to be handed over to Haiti’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC).

Despite these developments, legal experts suggest Boulos may face no immediate consequences in Haiti. Former Minister of Justice Camille Leblanc stated that the infractions cited by U.S. authorities fall strictly under American jurisdiction, particularly immigration-related violations. As such, Boulos could return to his residence and continue his business operations without legal obstruction. However, Leblanc noted that domestic prosecution could still be pursued if formal complaints, supported by credible evidence, are filed with the Haitian judiciary.

This is not the first time Boulos has come under scrutiny by Haitian oversight bodies. In 2020, he was summoned by the ULCC as part of an investigation into loans disbursed through the ONAMART and ONAPHARMA programs. One of his companies, DELIMART, received a loan of 480 million gourdes for the construction of a supermarket in Turgeau. Following more than six hours of questioning, his attorney at the time, Samuel Madistin, stated that investigators were ultimately convinced of the legality of the transaction. The anticipated deportation of Boulos could reignite political tensions and prompt further legal developments. The matter remains under close observation.

Violence in Artibonite Triggers Mass Displacement as Humanitarian Access Dwindles

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Haiti’s Artibonite department, which has resulted in a new wave of displacement. Armed attacks on July 16 in the communes of Dessalines and Verrettes forced nearly 15,000 people to flee their homes, according to the International Organization for Migration. Most of the displaced have sought refuge in Poste Pierrot, a remote area of Dessalines, where they are being hosted by local families, placing additional strain on already vulnerable communities.

The security situation in the commune of L’Estère has also deteriorated, with further clashes erupting on July 20 between armed groups and local self-defense forces. These confrontations led to more displacement and significant damage to civilian property. The violence followed a series of coordinated offensives by armed groups between July 14 and 17 in several areas of Artibonite, including Liancourt, Jean Denis, Désarmes, Montrouis, and Grande-Saline. In addition to casualties, preliminary reports indicate widespread destruction of homes and vehicles.

Displaced families are in urgent need of hygiene kits, food, emergency shelter, medical care, and other essential supplies. However, OCHA warns that ongoing insecurity is severely limiting humanitarian access, making it increasingly difficult to reach the most affected populations.

In addition to access challenges, Haiti’s 2025 humanitarian response plan remains the least funded of all United Nations-coordinated appeals worldwide. This lack of funding significantly hampers efforts to deliver life-saving assistance at the necessary scale.

The latest wave of displacement further compounds an already critical national crisis. Nearly 1.3 million people are currently displaced across Haiti due to violence and insecurity, the highest number ever recorded in the country.

OCHA reiterates the urgent need to scale up humanitarian assistance and protection for displaced families in Artibonite and throughout Haiti. The United Nations and its partners are working closely with local authorities to improve access, mobilize additional resources, and ensure that aid reaches those most in need, despite the increasingly dangerous and restrictive operating environment.

France and OAS Strengthen Haitian Police Capabilities Through Specialized Training

From July 14 to 19, the French Embassy, in partnership with the Organization of American States (OAS), conducted a capacity-building program for specialized units of the Haitian National Police. The training targeted officers from the Bureau of Financial and Economic Affairs (BAFE) and the Bureau for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking (BLTS).

Facilitated by an expert from France’s Directorate of International Security Cooperation (DCIS), the sessions equipped approximately twenty officers with advanced techniques in judicial investigations and tactical interventions.

The program concluded with a practical orientation on new law enforcement equipment recently provided to the police, ensuring participants could immediately integrate their training with updated tools in the field.

Police Disperse Protest by Displaced Haitians Demanding Security and Return Home

On Tuesday, July 22, officers of the Haitian National Police (PNH) used tear gas to break up a protest by internally displaced persons (IDPs) along Bourdon Road. The demonstrators, forced from their homes by gang violence, were demanding the restoration of security in their original neighborhoods.

Most of the protesters came from areas such as Solino, Nazon, and Fort-National, where gang activity has rendered entire communities uninhabitable. Many of the displaced have been living in makeshift camps for nearly a year and say they see little hope of returning without a concrete change in the security situation.

During the protest, participants voiced their frustration with the transitional authorities, calling on them to restore order and fulfill their responsibilities. The demonstration escalated at moments, with reports of stone throwing and broken bottles. However, the protesters remained clear in their message: the government's current relocation program is not a viable solution.

“What we want is for security to return so we can go home,” they chanted.

In response, Jean Négot Bonheur Delva, Director General of the National Office of Migration (ONM), stated during the radio program Les Mardis de la Nation that the resettlement program is progressing. He noted that, of the 340 families who had been staying at the Faculty of Applied Linguistics, 302 had already received financial assistance and left the site. The remaining 38 families are expected to be relocated soon.

Delva said the government's goal is to rehouse approximately 53,000 individuals, equivalent to about 10,000 families. However, he did not disclose where these individuals will be relocated or how long the process will take.

While authorities defend the program's progress, many displaced families remain skeptical, insisting that only a secure and stable environment will allow them to rebuild their lives in dignity.

Controversy Grows Over Haiti’s Use of Armed Drones as Public Applauds Results and International Concern Mounts

As Haiti intensifies the use of explosive drones in its campaign against criminal gangs, international voices are raising concerns over the legal and humanitarian implications of this controversial strategy. While Canada and the United Nations have urged caution and legal accountability, a growing segment of the Haitian population views the drone strikes as a necessary and effective tool to reclaim gang-controlled territories.

With over 85 percent of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area under the control or influence of armed gangs, transitional authorities have relied increasingly on the deployment of armed drones to conduct targeted operations. These drone strikes, coordinated by a task force under the Prime Minister’s office and involving private contractors, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 300 gang members, according to unofficial sources.

Despite the tactical success reported on the ground, the international community remains wary. The Canadian government, which has supplied equipment to the Haitian National Police (HNP), has expressed concern that this technology may be used for lethal purposes outside a lawful framework. Ottawa has called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and insists on guarantees that the drones will be deployed within legal and ethical boundaries.

The United Nations has echoed these concerns. William O’Neill, the UN’s independent expert on Haiti, urged restraint and emphasized that any use of force must comply with the principles of proportionality, precaution, and necessity, particularly in densely populated areas. “A strike can only be justified when it serves to prevent an imminent threat to civilian life,” he stated.

Nonetheless, Haiti’s transitional leadership remains firmly committed to the strategy. Fritz Alphonse Jean, President of the Presidential Transitional Council, defended the use of drones in statements reported by CBC News and the Financial Times. “The country is at war,” he said, describing drones as “essential instruments in this asymmetrical fight” against heavily armed criminal groups. He emphasized that drone operations are vital to securing gang-occupied zones and facilitating the return of government services.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, gangs themselves have reportedly begun using drones for surveillance and to coordinate attacks, escalating the technological dimension of an already volatile conflict.

More than one million Haitians have been displaced by gang-related violence, and frustration is growing among the public. Many see the use of kamikaze drones as one of the few tangible efforts by the state to push back against criminal domination and restore order. While questions remain about the long-term legal and ethical ramifications, there is strong domestic support for the continued use of drones as a frontline tool in the fight to reclaim the nation’s territory.

The debate continues: how far can the Haitian state go in pursuing security while maintaining compliance with international norms? For now, the public’s appetite for decisive action appears to outweigh the warnings of external observers.

Joint Security Forces Launch Major Operation in Kenscoff, Neutralize Gang Elements with Drone Strikes

A large-scale security operation was launched Thursday in the commune of Kenscoff, resulting in the deaths of several gang members, according to interim mayor Massillon Jean. The operation, aimed at reclaiming areas under gang control, involved coordinated efforts by the Haitian National Police’s specialized units, the Haitian Armed Forces, the Security Task Force, and personnel from the Multinational Security Support Mission.

Mayor Jean confirmed the use of suicide drones during the offensive, highlighting the growing role of unmanned systems in Haiti’s ongoing anti-gang operations. The deployment marked another significant instance of kinetic drone use in urban counterinsurgency missions.

The mayor praised the cooperation of local residents who supported the security forces throughout the operation. “We must win this battle against gangs that have occupied parts of our commune for nearly seven months,” he stated. “Kenscoff will not become lost territory.”

He also urged national authorities to implement measures that would consolidate the gains made during the operation and prevent gang elements from regaining control of the area.

The operation represents a critical step in restoring order to the mountainous commune, which has become a strategic stronghold for armed groups operating on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince.