Weekly Report March 10 to March 17

Haitian National Police Conducts Major Operation Against 5 Segond Gang in Port-au-Prince

On March 15, 2025, the Haitian National Police, led by Commander Rameau NORMIL, executed a sweeping operation across Port-au-Prince targeting key gang hideouts in areas including Village de Dieu—near the kingpin stronghold "IZO 5 seconds"—Fort-Saint Clair, the National Theater vicinity, and near the Electricity of Haiti headquarters. The police breached the area from Chareron Street, reportedly demolishing several bandit hideouts and engaging in heavy firefights that resulted in the deaths of armed criminals, as documented in viral footage.

While the PNH confirmed the operation, no official casualty report has been released. However, Pierre Espérance, Executive Director of the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), estimated that at least 20 gang members were killed, several were wounded, and others fled. He also stated that police forces dismantled gang structures, seized equipment, and cleared road barricades obstructing key routes near Rue Capois, Carrefour-Feuilles, and Stade Sylvio Cator.

The Viv Ansanm gang coalition has been conducting offensives in several downtown areas, including Avenue Christophe, Rue Capois, and Ruelle Alerte, resulting in civilian casualties and significant displacement. The gang's objective appeared to be securing control over Canapé-Vert and Pacot, but police intervention forced them to retreat. Despite these efforts, security analysts warn that without long-term police presence, gangs may reoccupy vacated areas and resume criminal activities.

Espérance also highlighted the recent use of explosive drones by security forces in Carrefour-Feuilles on March 12, which reportedly resulted in 22 gang fatalities. However, gang members swiftly regrouped and resumed attacks, raising concerns about the sustainability of security gains. He advised displaced residents to delay returning home until tangible security measures are in place.

Simultaneously, the multinational security support mission held a promotion ceremony for its senior officers, prompting questions about its role in the operation. Meanwhile, the escalating violence, with intensified attacks by criminals linked to the "Viv Ansanm" coalition and heavy gunfire reported across several neighborhoods, has left residents in areas such as Pacot, Canapé-Vert, Turgeau, and Debussy on high alert. Additionally, the police union SPNH-17 criticized the U.S. embassy for withholding armored vehicles critical for the operation, adding to the concerns over national security and coordination of support efforts.

Funding Discrepancies and Operational Failures Plague Haiti's MSS

The National Police Service (NPS) has clarified that, contrary to claims of a 4.5 billion KSh funding for the Multinational Security Mission (MSS) in Haiti, the actual budget allocated for 2024/2025 is 2.1 billion KSh (approximately US$16.2 million), with only US$7.2 million disbursed to date, all fully supported by the UN. Despite this financial backing, escalating gang violence continues unabated, with armed groups expanding their influence in regions such as the West, Artibonite, and several key neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince including Belo, Morne à Cabri, Turgeau, Pacot, and Nazon, thereby undermining joint operations between the Haitian National Police (HNP) and international forces.

Critics, including U.S. Republicans, have lambasted the Biden administration for engaging without a concrete security strategy, while operational challenges such as an incomplete workforce, malfunctioning and even burned armored vehicles further hinder the mission's effectiveness. Additionally, international contributions have varied, ranging from significant investments by the United States and Canada to a controversial freeze of part of the U.S. funding, leaving calls for transforming the mission into a UN peace operation with a broader mandate amid growing public disillusionment with the international intervention in Haiti.

Haiti’s Media Under Siege: Armed Gangs Intensify Assaults Amid Rising Violence

In a dramatic escalation of violence in Port-au-Prince, armed gangs have launched a series of coordinated attacks against local media outlets. The most recent incident saw heavily armed members of the Viv Ansanm coalition raid and set fire to Télé Pluriel in Delmas 19. This independent station, owned by journalist Marie Lucie Bonhomme and her husband, former electoral council chief Pierre-Louis Opont, has been effectively silenced, as security concerns have prevented staff from accessing the premises.

This attack follows similar violent assaults on Radio Télévision Caraïbes and Mélodie FM, marking the third media outlet targeted within a week. The Viv Ansanm coalition, which now reportedly controls nearly 90% of the capital, has been implicated in a broader campaign of terror. On the night of March 15–16, 2025, the gang attacked several key institutions in Delmas 19, including the Télé Pluriel station broadcasting on Channel 44, as well as R & C Plaza and Club Verdant, leaving these establishments in ruins.

Eyewitnesses described the night as being punctuated by heavy gunfire and multiple explosions, forcing residents in areas such as Carrefour-Feuilles, Avenue Christophe, Christ Roi, and Delmas 32 to flee their homes. The recent spate of violence has drawn severe criticism toward the Ministry of Public Security (MSSM), as ongoing efforts—such as the use of explosive drones to target gang strongholds—have so far failed to neutralize key gang leaders.

The violence has not been confined to media outlets. Gang members have also targeted other institutions by setting fire to buildings and coercing individuals to participate in the destruction. Religious organizations and orphanages have been compelled to evacuate, while the gangs have extended their operations into rural regions. A recent ambush on a police armored vehicle in the hills above Port-au-Prince near Kenscoff represents the third such incident in the area.

The sustained attacks on Haiti’s press have alarmed journalists and advocacy groups alike. Media watchdogs warn that the ongoing hostilities and the issuance of “wanted” notices against journalists by the gangs have made Haiti one of the most perilous environments for reporters, compounded by an apparent lack of adequate government protection.

Gangs Destroy PNH Armored Vehicle in Kenscoff Amid Rising Violence

An armored vehicle belonging to the Haitian National Police (PNH) was set on fire by heavily armed gang members in the town of Kenscoff on Sunday, March 15, 2025, in broad daylight, with attackers reportedly using Molotov cocktails despite the presence of law enforcement, although the PNH officers aboard escaped unharmed, the incident underscores the rising power of criminal groups in the area, as well as the extreme complexities in keeping the armored APCs operational, since PNH sources reveal that due to a lack of spare parts, limited maintenance expertise, and the vehicles being used 24 hours a day, each APC takes multiple rounds from gang attacks, usually damaging the radiators, and is barely functional by the time they are called into use again, yet they remain the only available platform for security operations. However, on March 16th, new information surfaced that this video was an old clip being reused to fuel criminal groups’ propaganda. No such incident has been confirmed by authorities or reliable sources. The spread of these images is intended to incite panic and weaken the morale of law enforcement at a time when the PNH is intensifying its operations against gangs. This disinformation tactic has become a strategic weapon for criminals seeking to manipulate public opinion by exaggerating their so-called “victories.” The public is urged to remain vigilant and avoid sharing false news that could benefit criminal organizations.

Heightened Security Operations and Arrests Across Haitian Departments

In the Centre department, police reinforced security at key border points and the entrance to Mirebalais, seizing significant quantities of ammunition and several large-caliber weapons. During the intervention, law enforcement confiscated a range of items, including 10,488 rounds of 762 caliber ammunition, various firearms and accessories, after which individuals transporting the arms were lynched by the population. Additionally, authorities arrested Pierre Krulex, alias Ti papi, at a nightclub on charges of criminal association, illegal possession, and arms trafficking, with investigations revealing his links to notorious gangs and his role in protecting a government commissioner through arms supply.

Elsewhere, enhanced security measures have been implemented in the South-East and West departments to counter bandit incursions. In the South-East, systems were set up in Cayes-Jacmel, Marigot, Seguin, and Kay Jacques, leading to the arrest of 56 individuals and the confiscation of several hundred kilos of marijuana along with an unregistered firearm. In the West, ongoing clashes between police and bandits have pushed the thugs back from residential areas, while further arrests, including that of former gang operative Joé Pascal Clergé, underscore the multi-agency efforts to restore safety. The press conference also paid tribute to five brave police officers killed in 2021, honoring their sacrifice and commitment.

FAA Extends U.S. Flight Ban to Port-au-Prince Until September 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended its ban on U.S. commercial flights to Port-au-Prince until September 8, 2025, citing ongoing gang violence in Haiti’s capital. The ban, initially imposed in November 2024 after gunfire struck three U.S. planes, was set to expire on March 12 but was prolonged due to persistent security concerns.

Major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue, have indefinitely suspended flights to Haiti. JetBlue confirmed that flights to Port-au-Prince would remain halted until at least June 11, 2025. With Toussaint Louverture International Airport effectively closed to commercial traffic, the Cap-Haïtien International Airport remains the only direct link between Haiti and the United States, served by Sunrise Airways and other small carriers. Haiti has attempted to expand alternative airport options, including recent runway upgrades at Les Cayes and Jacmel, but these efforts do not fully compensate for the loss of Port-au-Prince’s main air hub.

U.S. and Haitian officials have discussed possible steps to restore commercial air travel safely, but no concrete timeline has been established. Earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins met with Haiti’s National Office of Civil Aviation Director, Réginald Guignard, to

discuss securing the perimeter of Toussaint Louverture International Airport. Discussions between U.S. and Haitian officials continue regarding airport security improvements, but no definitive plans for resuming flights have been set. While commercial operations remain suspended, Toussaint Louverture International Airport still accommodates military and diplomatic flights, including those related to the Kenya-led multinational security mission.

As the new September 8 deadline approaches, the FAA will reassess the security situation. Until then, Haitians seeking international travel must rely on regional airports or alternative routes through the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, increasing both costs and logistical challenges.

Task Force Launches New Offensive in Grand Ravine, Deploying Explosive Drones

A new phase of military style operations was launched in Grand Ravine, where the Task Force carried out a large-scale attack against criminal groups operating in the area. As part of the offensive, two explosive drones were deployed to strike specific targets, causing significant casualties among the gangs.

The use of drone warfare marks a tactical shift in counter-gang operations, demonstrating the Task Force’s evolving strategy in targeting organized crime. While exact figures on casualties have not yet been disclosed, initial reports indicate that the attack dealt a severe blow to the gangs entrenched in the area.

This operation comes at a time of heightened insecurity in Port-au-Prince, where criminal organizations continue to expand their territorial control. The deployment of explosive drones suggests an escalation in security tactics, likely aimed at neutralizing heavily armed gang strongholds without direct ground engagement.

Several Haiti-based security experts have expressed concern that gangs may follow suit and begin weaponizing drones for their own operations. This fear has been reinforced by a recent seizure of drones by the Haitian National Police (PNH). On March 12, 2025, the PNH, through the Northwest Departmental Judicial Police Service (SDPJ), arrested an individual transporting eight drones. The suspect provided contradictory explanations, at times claiming that the drones were intended for the Bureau of Protected Areas Security (BSAP) and at other times stating they were simply meant for children to play with. Authorities have not clarified whether these drones were recreational or if they could have been repurposed for more concerning uses, such as kamikaze drones. The investigation is ongoing to determine the origin and intended destination of this equipment.

The Controversy Over Kamikaze Drones in Haiti’s Counter-Gang Operations

The recent use of kamikaze drones in Haiti’s counter-gang operations has sparked intense debate. Pierre Espérance, Executive Director of the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights, has strongly supported their deployment, arguing that they provide a necessary and proportionate response to the widespread violence perpetrated by armed gangs. However, this stance contrasts with a report from March 17, 2025, in which Roudy Sanon noted that the United Nations formally urged the Haitian government to halt the use of explosive drones, citing concerns that such actions could constitute extrajudicial executions and violate international human rights laws. Despite the UN’s warnings, the Haitian CPT Task Force continues to integrate drone technology into its operations, as ongoing violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over one million people. Adding to the complexity of the situation, there is growing skepticism among Haitians, with some alleging that a former UN Special Representative may have played a role in the formation of the G9 gang federation, further eroding confidence in the UN’s involvement in Haiti’s security affairs. In response to these circulating claims, UN representative Marie Isabelle Salvador, speaking with Le Reflet, firmly denied any directive from the UN against the use of kamikaze drones, stating, “That is absolutely false; we do not order anything from the government.” As Haiti grapples with escalating violence, this controversy highlights the challenging balance between implementing effective security measures and adhering to internationally recognized human rights standards.

Insecurity Forces University Closures on Avenue Christophe

Avenue Christophe, once a central and active area of Port-au-Prince, has become increasingly unstable due to the growing presence of armed gangs. This insecurity has forced institutions and residents to leave, significantly impacting the Université d’État d’Haïti (UEH). Several faculties, including the Faculty of Human Sciences and INAGHEI, have suspended operations, while the Faculty of Applied Linguistics has remained occupied for over a year. The situation has disrupted academic progress, limiting access to higher education in the capital.

The deteriorating conditions in the area have also affected businesses and daily life, with many buildings abandoned and regular reports of gunfire. The lack of government intervention has led to restricted movement, further isolating the area. While there have been discussions about restoring educational facilities, ongoing insecurity presents a major challenge to reopening and stabilizing institutions.

Port-au-Prince Government Institutions Abandoned Amid Rising Insecurity

The downtown area of Port-au-Prince, once the administrative, economic, and educational hub of Haiti, has become largely abandoned due to escalating gang activity. As armed groups expand their control, government institutions have retreated, leaving critical infrastructure unprotected. More than fifty official buildings, including ministries, courts, port facilities, schools, and other strategic institutions, have been vacated, signaling a significant decline in state authority over the capital.

Key port facilities, including customs offices, the National Port Authority, and the Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti, are no longer operational. The absence of regulatory oversight has allowed traffickers to operate freely, facilitating the movement of arms, drugs, and other contraband. With these essential infrastructures compromised, criminal networks have established Port-au-Prince as a center for illicit trade.

Government institutions have also relocated or ceased functioning within the capital. The Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti, the National Credit Bank, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Public Health have all been abandoned. The National Palace, previously a symbol of Haitian sovereignty, now stands empty, while the National Pantheon, which honors the nation’s independence heroes, has been looted.

The judicial system has suffered significant setbacks, with the Supreme Court, the Superior Court of Accounts, the Palace of Justice, and lower courts all rendered inoperative. The Port-au-Prince Civil Prison, once a key detention center, was overrun, leading to a mass escape. Authorities were unable to contain the breach, further contributing to the region’s instability.

Educational institutions have also been heavily impacted. Several historic high schools, including Pétion, Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Marie-Jeanne, Jeunes Filles, and Fritz Pierre-Louis, have shut down their operations. Higher education institutions such as the Faculties of Law, Science, Dentistry, Ethnology, and Medicine, as well as the École Normale Supérieure, IERAH, INAGHEI, and the School of Arts, are now inaccessible. Other important facilities, including the National Theater, the School of Nursing, and the Psychiatric Center, have also been vacated.

With courts, schools, ministries, and major government offices no longer operational, the state’s ability to govern from the capital has been severely compromised. Downtown Port-au-Prince has ceased to function as a center of governance, with control shifting to armed groups. The continued abandonment of critical institutions raises concerns over long-term stability and the ability of the government to restore order in the region.

Security Incident Report: March 10-17, 2025

This breakdown includes all reported police vs gang engagements, gang activities, road blockades, and other security-related incidents.

March 10, 2025

•Rue Lahous / Croix des Bouquets / RN3 | Armed Men | Armed individuals reported in the area.

•Delmas 75 | Shooting | Police fired shots in the air during the funeral of a fallen officer.

•Delmas 30 / Nazon | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between armed gangs and police.

•Delmas 54 | Gang Activity | Ongoing gang activity reported.

•Champs de Mars / Downtown Port-au-Prince | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting between gangs and police.

•Trianon / Mirebalais / RN3 | Mob Action | Angry population searching for gang members.

•Rivière Mancelle / RN5 / Artibonite | Armed Men | Armed individuals reported in the area.

March 11, 2025

•RN3 Entrance to Mirebalais | Road Blockade | Population blocking the road, searching vehicles; police on site.

•Ruelle L. Jeudy near Haiti Plastics | Gang Activity | Ongoing gang activity reported.

•Delmas 19 | Police Presence | Police deployed in response to security threats.

•Carrefour Feuille | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between armed gangs and police.

•Delmas 30 / Nazon | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between armed gangs and police.

•Morne Marie / Carrefour Feuille | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported.

•Bolivie / Carrefour Feuille | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported.

March 12, 2025

•Rue Cadet Jérémie / Carrefour Feuille | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported.

•Delmas 19 and Nazon | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between armed gangs and police.

•Cap-Haïtien | Flooding | Several areas, including the city center, flooded due to heavy rain.

•Ruelle Alerte | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between gangs and police.

•Marché Salomon / Stade Sylvio Cator | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between gangs and police.

March 13, 2025

•Carrefour Aéroport / Bas Delmas | Police vs Gang Clash | Shooting reported in the area.

•Delmas 30 | Gang Activity | Ongoing gang activity reported.

•Christ Roi | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between armed gangs and police.

•Avenue Christophe | Gang Activity | Ongoing gang activity reported.

•Savien | Gang Activity | Ongoing gang activity reported.

March 14, 2025

•Rue Capois, Rue Marcelin, Rue Magny | Gang Activity | Gang presence reported; police on site.

•Canapé Vert | Road Blockade | Barricades set up by the population; police attempting to remove them.

•Gressier / RN2 | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between gangs and police.

•Village de Dieu | Police vs Gang Clash | Heavy shooting reported between gangs and police.

March 15, 2025

•Rue 5 near Sacre Coeur towards Turgeau | Gang Activity | Armed men reported in the area.

•Ganthier / RN8 | Gang Activity | Armed men reported in the area.

March 16, 2025

•Dofouno / Petite Rivière / Artibonite | Demonstration | Population demonstration reported.

Warning: The Dangers of Fake News in Haiti

Fake news in Haiti has evolved into a dangerous weapon deliberately exploited by opposition,  gangs and organized criminal elements to destabilize the nation. These groups strategically use social media to craft and disseminate misleading narratives that not only create public unrest but also endanger critical institutions such as the Haitian National Police. Advanced artificial intelligence tools further exacerbate this threat by enabling the rapid alteration and generation of deceptive content, making it increasingly difficult for both the public and security professionals to distinguish fact from fiction.

This manipulation is nothing new to Haiti. The country has a long history of being exposed to misinformation, a challenge deeply rooted in its socio-political landscape. Over the years, various groups have taken advantage of the nation's vulnerabilities to sow discord and undermine trust in its institutions. The deliberate spread of false information not only erodes public trust but also places the Haitian National Police in a precarious position. As the police become targets of these manufactured narratives, their ability to maintain law and order is compromised, further destabilizing the institutional framework vital for national security and social cohesion.

In this volatile environment, every reader must exercise extreme caution when consuming information online. It is imperative for security professionals and the general public to verify the credibility of sources by cross-checking news with established, reliable outlets before accepting or sharing any information. Robust verification protocols and advanced analytical tools are essential to detect and mitigate the influence of fake news. This notice serves as a critical reminder: remain vigilant and critically assess the information presented online, as the ramifications of unchecked misinformation can have profound impacts on both public safety and institutional stability in Haiti.