Haitian security forces, with support from the US-licensed private military firm Vectus Global, have conducted anti-gang operations using explosive-laden quadcopter drones since March last year, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,243 people and injuries to 738 others, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The strikes have frequently targeted densely populated areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince, which is 90% controlled by gangs, raising serious concerns about civilian casualties and proportionality.

The HRW report found that from March 1, 2025, to January 21 in the West Department, where Port-au-Prince is located, 17 children and 43 adults not believed to be members of criminal groups were killed. Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at HRW, stated: "Haitian authorities should urgently rein in the security forces and private contractors working for them before more children die." The nonprofit highlighted a significant increase in drone attacks in recent months, with 57 reported from November to late January, nearly double the 29 attacks recorded from August through October.

HRW researchers analyzed seven videos uploaded to social media or shared directly with the group, showing quadcopter drones in action, and geolocated four of them to Port-au-Prince. The videos depict the repeated use of drones equipped with explosives to attack vehicles and people, some armed but none appearing engaged in violent acts or posing an imminent threat to life. The report emphasized that HRW did not find evidence of widespread drone use by criminal groups, suggesting the operations are predominantly state-backed or contractor-led.

One attack detailed in the report occurred on September 20 in the Simon Pele neighborhood, an impoverished community controlled by a gang of the same name. The drone strike killed nine people, including three children, and injured at least eight as the gang leader prepared to distribute gifts to children. HRW quoted an unnamed resident recalling how the explosion ripped both feet off a baby, and cited the mother of a six-year-old girl killed in the attack, who said: "In the spaces where the gangs are, there are innocent people, people who raise their children, who follow normal paths." Families of the deceased reported that criminal groups organized and controlled access to their funerals, further complicating the humanitarian situation.

Last month, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti stated it had no indications that the deaths and injuries were being investigated. HRW noted there was no evidence drones were being used widely by gangs, while the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in October that the drone strikes were disproportionate and likely unlawful, underscoring international criticism of the tactics employed by Haitian forces and their US-aligned contractors.

Source: www.aljazeera.com