Weekly Report May 20 to May 27, 2026

Escalating armed conflict continues along route 9 and sarthe corridor as displacement figures rise

Recent security developments indicate sustained armed confrontations and increasing territorial competition throughout the Sarthe, Route 9, Terre Noire, and Canaan corridor involving factions aligned with Chen Mechan, allied fighters associated with Jeff of Canaan, and multiple rival armed groups operating along northern transportation routes leaving Port-au-Prince. Current information indicates that the violence and territorial clashes continue across several sectors of the corridor.

According to information reviewed by HALO Solutions Firm, tensions and mobilization efforts reportedly began approximately one month ago, with the most intense phase of violence emerging over the past two weeks following the killing of one of Chen Mechan’s lieutenants near Route 9. The individual reportedly operated a commercial establishment in the area that had repeatedly been targeted by criminal actors associated with rival non–Viv Ansanm factions.

Local reporting indicates that the lieutenant and several associates remained inside the establishment overnight in an effort to identify those responsible for the robberies. A rival armed group reportedly arrived with a significantly larger force, resulting in the deaths of the lieutenant and multiple Chen Mechan-affiliated fighters.

Following the incident, retaliatory operations reportedly expanded rapidly across the Sarthe and Route 9 corridor, evolving into broader territorial confrontations involving several armed factions competing for control of strategic transit routes, extortion systems, and revenue-generating checkpoints. Armed clashes, barricade activity, and territorial disputes reportedly continue throughout portions of the corridor.

The Route 9 corridor remains one of the most strategically significant transportation routes connecting Port-au-Prince to the airport corridor, Route Nationale 1, Canaan, industrial zones, and northern logistical access points. Control of the area reportedly provides substantial illicit revenue through taxation of cargo shipments, fuel transport, commercial traffic, and civilian movement.

As the conflict intensified, Chen Mechan reportedly received reinforcements from Jeff of Canaan and allied fighters associated with the Taliban faction operating in the Canaan area. Additional support reportedly included armed elements linked to Baz Gran Grif from the Artibonite region. These reinforcements reportedly sustained casualties during continued clashes throughout Sarthe and Route 9.

Information gathered by HALO Solutions Firm further indicates that tensions escalated after Jeff reportedly expressed intentions to expand influence from Canaan toward areas historically associated with Cité Soleil. Following those movements, rival factions from La Saline, Simon Pelé, Boston, and Belekou reportedly mobilized in response to concerns regarding territorial encroachment and the potential loss of control over transportation and extortion corridors.

Available information indicates that the coalition supporting Chen Mechan currently includes Chen Mechan elements, fighters aligned with Jeff of Canaan, Lanmò Sanjou affiliates, and armed reinforcements associated with Baz Gran Grif. Opposing factions reportedly consist of armed groups established in Terre Noire, Pierre 6, La Saline, Boston, Belekou, and Simon Pelé. Current reporting suggests that:

•Terre Noire is reportedly controlled by Jonès

•Pierre 6 is reportedly controlled by Obama

•Boston is reportedly controlled by Matias

•Belekou is reportedly controlled by Benji

•Simon Pelé is reportedly controlled by Jouma.

Additional reporting indicates that La Saline elements have reportedly received support from Mikanò, who is also associated with influence around the Caribbean Port Services (CPS) and Autorité Portuaire Nationale (APN) sectors.

Territorial control throughout the corridor remains fluid and highly contested. Frequent exchanges of gunfire, shifting barricade positions, intermittent road closures, and movement restrictions continue to affect multiple sections of Route 9 and surrounding areas.

Updated humanitarian reporting now indicates that displacement figures associated with the broader instability in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region continue to rise. Recent estimates from international humanitarian organizations indicate that approximately 17,500 individuals, representing more than 4,200 households, have been displaced in recent weeks, including populations affected by ongoing violence and instability linked to the northern corridor conflict environment.

Preliminary casualty estimates associated with the broader confrontations throughout the Sarthe and Route 9 corridor reportedly approach approximately 70 individuals, although exact figures remain difficult to independently verify due to the fluid operational environment and limited access to contested sectors.

The overall security environment throughout Sarthe, Terre Noire, Route 9, and adjacent northern transportation corridors remains highly volatile. Continued armed confrontations, population displacement, movement restrictions, retaliatory attacks, and disruptions to civilian and commercial traffic remain likely as rival factions continue competing for control of one of the most strategically important transit corridors in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region.

Haitian national police report expanded security operations across multiple regions

The Police Nationale d’Haïti (PNH) announced during a press conference held on May 26, 2026, that security operations have intensified in several strategic areas of the country as authorities continue efforts to counter armed group activity and restore access to critical zones.

According to PNH spokesperson Lionel Lazarre, recent operations conducted in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, the Artibonite Department, the Sud-Est Department, and other regions resulted in the recovery of weapons, the rescue of civilians, and multiple confrontations involving armed individuals.

In the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince, police operations focused on several high-risk sectors affected by gang activity, including downtown Port-au-Prince, Paco, Marché Salomon, Avenue Jean-Paul II, Rue des Magasins de l’État, Tabarre, Clercine, Croixdes-Missions, Pétion-Ville, Carrefour, Gressier, and Croix-des-Bouquets.

Police officials stated that approximately 118 operations and patrol missions were conducted in these areas. Authorities reported that several armed individuals were killed during exchanges of gunfire with police units, although no official casualty figures were released.

The PNH also stated that six individuals being held captive or threatened by armed groups were rescued during separate operations conducted in the capital region and surrounding areas.

During the operations, police reportedly seized five firearms, nearly 200 rounds of ammunition, three drones, and three vehicles. Authorities also recovered various pieces of equipment allegedly used by individuals impersonating security personnel, including ballistic helmets, PNH and DCPJ uniforms, GPS devices, and emergency police lighting equipment.

In the Artibonite Department, operations were concentrated in several municipalities affected by ongoing gang activity, including L’Estère, La Chapelle, Saint-Marc, Liancourt, Savien, Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, PontSondé, Jean-Denis, and Montrouis.

According to Lionel Lazarre, approximately 30 interventions were carried out in the Artibonite region. Police officials stated that several armed individuals were neutralized and additional weapons were seized during the operations.

Authorities also confirmed that security forces regained control of the Croix-Périsse area, where armed groups had previously blocked circulation along a major transportation corridor. Following the deployment of specialized units, including the Task Force, the roadway connecting Saint-Marc and Gonaïves was reopened, allowing traffic to gradually resume after weeks of disruption.

In the Sud-Est Department, operations focused primarily on the mountainous Seguin area, where armed groups had reportedly been attempting to expand their presence. Reinforcement units were deployed to the area, while additional security operations were conducted in Bainet and Jacmel.

Meanwhile, in the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac region, police continue efforts to reestablish control through the deployment of specialized units and the installation of permanent operational bases in areas previously abandoned due to insecurity.

PNH spokesperson Lionel Lazarre stated that operations will continue nationwide as authorities attempt to consolidate recently secured areas and prevent armed groups from reestablishing control.

Haiti: gang suppression force says final preparations underway before launching anti-gang operations

As insecurity continues to cripple several neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince and other regions of Haiti, the Force de Répression des Gangs (FRG) announced that it is in the final stages of preparation before launching operations against armed gangs across the country.

In comments provided to a local media outlet, the FRG described the deployment process as “progressive and structured” following questions regarding delays to operations that were initially expected to begin in April 2026. The force stated that operational interventions remain in the preparation phase.

FRG officials acknowledged that Haiti’s security situation remains urgent but stated that the deployment of a multinational force requires gradual coordination to ensure operational effectiveness once missions begin on the ground.

Although the force is reportedly expected to reach approximately 5,500 personnel, FRG officials declined to disclose the number of members currently deployed in Port-au-Prince, citing operational security concerns. The limited communication has fueled questions regarding the actual scale and readiness of the deployment amid growing public pressure for concrete security improvements.

According to the FRG, operational planning is now in its final phase, and anti-gang interventions are expected to begin in the near future. The organization declined to provide additional details regarding operational strategy, again citing security considerations and the need to preserve mission effectiveness in areas where armed groups maintain active control and organized networks.

Beyond direct security operations, the FRG stated that its broader mission is to help restore public order and support Haitian institutions in reestablishing long-term control over affected areas.

The force described itself as a “disciplined and determined” mission focused on degrading the operational capabilities of armed gangs while prioritizing civilian protection. FRG officials also stated that any allegations of abuse or misconduct by deployed personnel would be subject to investigation and accountability procedures under international human rights standards.

The mission further noted that all deployed personnel completed mandatory predeployment training and are operating under strict rules consistent with international human rights law.

Haitian national police outline recent security operations and institutional measures

The Police Nationale d’Haïti (PNH) provided an operational update Tuesday summarizing security interventions conducted over the past two months across several areas of the country, including downtown Port-au-Prince, Carrefour, and Gressier.

During the briefing, PNH Director General André Jonas Vladimir Paraison and Deputy Spokesperson Lionel Lazarre stated that police units carried out a total of 118 operations during the reporting period.

According to the PNH, the operations led to the seizure of five firearms, 196 rounds of ammunition, three drones, and three vehicles. Authorities also confirmed that multiple armed individuals were killed or neutralized during various interventions, although additional operational details and identities were not released.

Police leadership also used the occasion to highlight several internal initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional and operational capacity. These included the formal transfer of the CCIARH report to the Human Resources Directorate and the introduction of a new operational uniform for the specialized ÉPINES unit, which is expected to support enhanced field capabilities.

The briefing occurred only hours after the killing of Dr. Germain Roger, who was reportedly attacked and fatally shot by armed individuals along Route de Bourdon, a highly sensitive corridor frequently used by senior government officials and providing access to key state institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office.

Witnesses reported sustained gunfire in the area during the incident, while local accounts indicated no immediate visible police response at the time of the attack.

Haitian national police vow to maintain operations in lacroix-périsse until kokorat san ras gang is dismantled

The Police Nationale d’Haïti (PNH) announced that security forces deployed in the Lacroix-Périsse area of the Lower Artibonite Department will continue operations until armed gangs operating in the region are fully dismantled.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, PNH Deputy Spokesperson Lionel Lazarre stated that police units engaged against the Kokorat San Ras gang would remain operational in the area until the threat is neutralized. According to Lazarre, nearly 30 police interventions have been conducted in Artibonite since March as part of ongoing anti-gang operations.

Police officials indicated that multiple suspected gang members have been killed during recent operations, while authorities also reported the seizure of weapons and ammunition and the reopening of several blocked roadways throughout the region.

Despite the intensified police presence, armed attacks linked to Kokorat San Ras reportedly continue. On Tuesday, armed individuals attacked the Trois-Rivières Bayonnette area near Lacroix-Périsse, reportedly killing at least two people and injuring several others.

Local reporting indicated that security forces later intervened and regained control of the situation.

Additional attacks were also reported Monday in the Jean-Denis locality, according to regional agricultural leader René Charles, president of the Syndicat des planteurs visionnaires pour le développement de la Vallée de l’Artibonite (SPVDA).

Charles stated that the attacks may represent diversionary tactics intended to slow ongoing police operations in Lacroix-Périsse. He encouraged security forces to maintain pressure on armed groups and continue operations until gang elements are completely removed from the area.

According to local sources, a relative reduction in violence has been observed in parts of Lower Artibonite since the latest operations began, although armed groups continue attempting to resist police advances.

Businessman Roger germain killed in armed attack on armored vehicle in bourdon

Entrepreneur Roger Germain, owner of the Laboratoire GAMA, was killed early Tuesday morning, May 26, 2026, during an armed attack in the Bourdon area of Port-au-Prince near the Réservoir sector.

According to initial reports, multiple gunshots were heard around 6:00 a.m. in the area. Germain’s armored vehicle, bearing license plate AA-42960, was reportedly ambushed by armed individuals operating in the zone.

Mr. Germain reportedly died at the scene from injuries sustained during the attack. Images circulated on social media showed the armored vehicle heavily damaged, with numerous bullet impacts visible on the side windows, underscoring the intensity of the assault.

The killing comes amid a continued deterioration of the security environment in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, where armed attacks, kidnappings, and targeted killings continue to increase, contributing to a growing climate of fear and instability among the population.

Sunrise airways launches direct cap-haïtien–newark service beginning June 1

Sunrise Airways announced the launch of a new direct route between Cap-Haïtien International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport beginning June 1, 2026.

The new weekly service is designed to improve connectivity between northern Haiti and the large Haitian diaspora community in the New York–New Jersey area while supporting economic, commercial, and tourism activity in Cap-Haïtien and the surrounding region.

Flights are scheduled as follows:

• Cap-Haïtien to Newark every Monday.

• Newark to Cap-Haïtien every Tuesday.

The direct flight time is estimated at approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, providing travelers with a faster alternative to connecting flights through Florida or other regional hubs.

Bookings are now available through the airline’s website, mobile application, customer service center, and authorized ticket offices.

Nearly 17,500 displaced in port-au-prince area, primarily in cité soleil, according to iom

Approximately 17,500 people, representing more than 4,200 households, have been displaced over the past two weeks in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, particularly in the commune of Cité Soleil, according to new estimates released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The figures were cited by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres, during a press briefing held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

According to the IOM, more than 80 percent of those displaced have taken refuge in 33 temporary displacement sites, while others have sought shelter with already vulnerable host families. The latest displacement wave highlights the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian and security environment in several areas of the capital, particularly within and around Cité Soleil.

Maritime transport emerges as critical lifeline for northwest Haiti amid expanding gang control

As armed groups continue expanding their control over major transportation corridors across Haiti, maritime transportation has become an increasingly vital link for residents, merchants, and suppliers operating throughout the Northwest Department.

With insecurity, kidnappings, extortion, and illegal checkpoints making overland travel increasingly hazardous, many communities are now relying on coastal maritime routes to maintain the movement of passengers, commercial goods, agricultural products, and essential supplies between the Northwest and other regions of the country, including Cap-Haïtien, Miragoâne, Artibonite, and the West Department.

Local merchants and transport operators indicate that maritime traffic now serves as one of the few remaining reliable alternatives to gang-controlled highways. Small commercial vessels and sailboats are being used extensively to transport food products, charcoal, construction materials, fuel, agricultural commodities, and other critical goods into isolated communities where road access has become severely restricted.

Despite the sector’s growing importance, operators report that maritime transportation remains financially strained and operationally vulnerable. Boat owners and merchants continue to raise concerns regarding excessive licensing costs, customsrelated fees, inconsistent regulatory oversight, and allegations of unofficial financial demands that significantly increase operating expenses.

Transport operators state that the rising cost of maritime movement is directly contributing to inflation and higher market prices throughout the Northwest, placing additional pressure on already vulnerable populations facing severe economic hardship and declining purchasing power.

Industry participants also note that the maritime sector continues to suffer from limited infrastructure, weak institutional support, irregular service capacity, and insufficient safety oversight despite its increasingly strategic role in sustaining economic activity and humanitarian access throughout the region.

As insecurity continues disrupting traditional land-based transportation networks, maritime transport has effectively evolved from a secondary commercial option into a critical economic and humanitarian lifeline for large portions of Haiti’s Northwest coastal communities.

Zed airlines launches direct Miami–cap-haïtien service with successful inaugural flight

ZED Airlines officially began commercial operations Friday after successfully completing its inaugural flight between Miami and Cap-Haïtien, marking the establishment of a new direct air connection between Haiti and the United States.

Company representatives described the first flight as a major milestone for the airline and emphasized the company’s objective of providing reliable, secure, and efficient transportation services for passengers traveling between the two destinations.

The new route is expected to improve travel access for members of the Haitian diaspora, business travelers, and visitors while supporting stronger economic, commercial, and cultural ties between northern Haiti and South Florida.

The launch is also viewed as a positive development for the aviation sector in northern Haiti, particularly for Cap-Haïtien, where increased international air connectivity continues to play an important role in regional commerce and mobility.

According to company officials, ZED Airlines plans to further expand its flight operations and regional service network in the coming months.

Proposed Haitian electoral decree would significantly tighten presidential eligibility requirements

A proposed electoral decree in Haiti introducing new rules governing presidential candidacies would substantially strengthen eligibility requirements for individuals seeking the presidency.

Under Article 76 of the draft decree, candidates for the country’s highest office would be subject to a broad range of additional administrative, judicial, financial, and ethical conditions beyond those already established under Article 135 of the Haitian Constitution.

Among the proposed requirements, candidates would be obligated to possess a valid national identification card, be properly registered within the electoral system, and demonstrate compliance with tax obligations. Prospective candidates would also be required to provide proof of mental competency, submit annual tax certification documents, and, when applicable, disclose financial asset declarations.

The proposed decree would further prohibit individuals from running for president if they have been convicted of electoral fraud, sanctioned by the Conseil Électoral Provisoire (CEP), or removed from public administration positions.

Individuals currently subject to criminal investigations, judicial proceedings, or active arrest warrants would also be barred from participating in presidential elections.

In addition, the decree would grant the CEP expanded authority to conduct eligibility reviews using information and reports obtained from both national and international institutions. Persons linked to criminal activity, corruption, kidnapping, or international sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council would be deemed ineligible to seek the presidency. The proposed measures reflect a broader effort to tighten oversight of presidential candidacies amid ongoing concerns regarding corruption, organized crime, and political instability in Haiti.