Haitian security forces and private contractors using drones have caused the death of 1,243 individuals and injured 738 others within a year, as reported by Human Rights Watch on Tuesday. Among the deceased, 17 were children and 43 were adults not associated with any criminal activities. Of the injured, at least 49 were civilians. These incidents occurred between March 1, 2025, and January 21, 2026, with the most lethal drone operation resulting in 57 fatalities.
Human Rights Watch’s Americas director, Juanita Goebertus, urged Haitian authorities to control the security forces and contractors to prevent further casualties, particularly of children. The organization highlighted a significant rise in armed drone attacks in Port-au-Prince, a city predominantly controlled by gangs. The use of drones in this area has surged, with 57 attacks reported between November and late January, nearly doubling the 29 attacks recorded from August to October the previous year.
The non-profit group examined seven videos showing armed quadcopter drones in action, with four of them geolocated to Port-au-Prince. These videos displayed drones equipped with explosives targeting individuals and vehicles, some of whom were armed but did not pose an immediate threat. Human Rights Watch did not find widespread drone use among criminal groups.
A specific incident mentioned in the report took place on September 20, 2025, in the Simon Pele neighborhood, where a drone strike orchestrated by a gang resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including three children. The families of the victims reported that the criminal group controlled access to the funerals, allowing only those who accepted money or support from the gang to attend.
The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, criticized the use of lethal force against gangs in Haiti as unnecessary, disproportionate, and potentially violating international law. Haiti’s government formed a special task force in 2025, operating independently of the National Police and utilizing explosive drones, comprised of police units and private contractors.
Security firm Vectus Global, linked to Erik Prince, the controversial founder of Blackwater, was expected to deploy around 200 personnel to Haiti to combat gang violence. Additionally, Haitian police are collaborating with a UN-supported mission led by Kenyan police, which is set to transition into a gang suppression force soon.
Gang violence has hindered the prosecution of individuals involved in the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with powerful gangs seizing control of the Port-au-Prince courthouse in 2024. Meanwhile, the trial for four defendants charged with conspiring to kidnap or kill Haiti’s former leader is commencing in a U.S. federal court. The case against five defendants was postponed due to discovery challenges and the extensive evidence involved.