A report released by Human Rights Watch on Tuesday revealed that drones operated by Haitian security forces and private contractors have caused the death of 1,243 individuals and injured 738 others within a year. Among the victims, 17 were children and 43 were adults not associated with any criminal activities. The incidents occurred between March 1, 2025, and Jan. 21, 2026, with the deadliest drone operation resulting in 57 fatalities.
According to the Americas director at Human Rights Watch, Juanita Goebertus, urgent measures are needed to control the security forces and contractors to prevent further harm to children. The nonprofit organization highlighted a significant increase in armed drone attacks in Port-au-Prince, which is predominantly controlled by gangs. The number of reported attacks surged to 57 between November and January, nearly double the figure from the preceding period.
Human Rights Watch conducted an analysis of seven videos portraying armed quadcopter drones in action, linking four of them to Port-au-Prince. The footage depicted the use of drones equipped with explosives targeting individuals and vehicles, with no apparent imminent threat to life. The report mentioned that the group did not find widespread drone usage among criminal organizations.
An attack on Sept. 20, 2025, in the Simon Pele neighborhood resulted in the death of nine individuals, including three children, and left at least eight others injured. The incident occurred as the leader of the Simon Pele gang was distributing gifts to children in the area. Families of the deceased reported that the criminal group controlled access to the funerals, allowing only those who received support from the gang to attend.
Addressing the issue, the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, criticized the use of lethal force against gangs in Haiti as unnecessary and disproportionate, potentially violating international laws. Last year, a new task force was established by the Haitian government, operating independently of the National Police and utilizing explosive drones. The task force comprises specific police units and private contractors.
In mid-2025, Vectus Global, led by former Blackwater founder Erik Prince, anticipated deploying around 200 personnel to Haiti as part of a one-year contract to combat gang violence. Additionally, Haitian police are collaborating with a UN-backed mission, expected to transform into a gang suppression force due to funding and staffing constraints.
The prevalence of gang violence in Haiti has impeded legal proceedings, particularly the prosecution of individuals involved in the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The investigation has faced delays, with judges resigning due to safety concerns. The trial against the defendants charged with plotting against Moïse will commence in a U.S. federal court, with separate proceedings for the accused individuals. South Florida played a pivotal role in planning and financing the conspiracy to remove Moïse from power, as per court documents.
