Drone Attacks by Haitian Forces Result in Over 1,200 Deaths

Drones operated by Haitian security forces and private contractors have led to the deaths of at least 1,243 people and injuries to 738 others, according to a report released by Human Rights Watch on January 30, 2026. The casualties, recorded between March 1, 2025, and January 21, 2026, include 17 children and 43 adults not affiliated with any criminal organizations.

The organization highlighted a particularly deadly incident where a single drone operation resulted in the deaths of 57 individuals. Human Rights Watch’s Americas director, Juanita Goebertus, emphasized the urgent need for Haitian authorities to control the actions of both security forces and private contractors to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

Increase in Drone Attacks in Port-au-Prince

According to the report, the number of armed drone attacks in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, has increased significantly, with 57 attacks reported from November to late January, nearly double the 29 attacks documented from August to October 2025. This escalation is attributed to the fact that nearly 90% of the city is under gang control.

Human Rights Watch analyzed seven videos documenting the use of drones equipped with explosives targeting vehicles and individuals. The organization geolocated four of these instances to Port-au-Prince. The videos reveal repeated drone strikes against people, many of whom were not engaged in violent activities at the time of the attacks.

One notable incident took place on September 20, 2025, in the impoverished Simon Pele neighborhood, which is controlled by a gang of the same name. A drone strike during a community event killed nine people, including three children, and injured at least eight others. Residents described the devastation, including an explosion that severely injured a baby. “In the spaces where the gangs are, there are innocent people, people who raise their children, who follow normal paths,” said the mother of a 6-year-old girl who was killed.

Concerns Over Extrajudicial Killings

Human Rights Watch expressed deep concern that many of these drone strikes resemble unlawful extrajudicial killings. They called on authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, and to conduct independent investigations into the fatalities resulting from security operations. The organization also urged that proper reparations be provided to victims’ families.

Volker Turk, the U.N. human rights chief, criticized the use of lethal force against gangs in Haiti as unnecessary and disproportionate, suggesting it may violate international law. In response to the escalating violence, the Haitian government formed a task force that operates outside the oversight of the National Police, which employs explosive drones. This task force includes specific police units and private contractors.

Notably, former U.S. Navy Seal Erik Prince is associated with a security firm, Vectus Global, which is expected to deploy nearly 200 personnel to Haiti as part of a one-year agreement aimed at combating gang violence.

Haitian police are also collaborating with a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan forces, which faces challenges due to underfunding and understaffing. This force is anticipated to evolve into a gang suppression unit in the coming months.

The situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, with heavy implications for civilians caught in the crossfire of gang violence and state responses. As the community seeks safety and accountability, the international community watches closely, urging for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.