Human Rights Watch details deaths and injuries of police drone attacks in Haiti
Human Rights Watch reported on Tuesday that drones operated by Haitian security forces and private contractors have been responsible for the deaths of at least 1,243 people and the injury of 738 others. The killings, which occurred between March 1, 2025, and Jan. 21, 2026, included 17 children and 43 adults who were not associated with any criminal groups.
The most deadly drone operation resulted in the deaths of 57 individuals. Human Rights Watch has called on Haitian authorities to rein in the security forces and their contractors to prevent further casualties, particularly among children.
The nonprofit organization highlighted the significant increase in armed drone attacks in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, which is predominantly controlled by criminal gangs. The use of armed quadcopter drones has surged in recent months, with 57 attacks reported between November and late January, nearly doubling the number from the previous three months.
Human Rights Watch analyzed videos showing drones equipped with explosives targeting vehicles and individuals, some of whom were not engaged in violent activities. The group emphasized that there is no widespread use of drones among criminal organizations.
One tragic incident mentioned in the report took place in the Simon Pele neighborhood, where a drone attack killed nine people, including three children, and injured several others during a community event. Witnesses described the horrific aftermath, including the loss of limbs and the impact on innocent residents.
The families of the victims lamented the lack of control over funeral arrangements, with only those who accepted support from the criminal group being allowed to attend. These targeted attacks raise concerns about unlawful killings and the need for transparent investigations to ensure accountability.
The United Nations’ human rights chief criticized the use of lethal force against gangs in Haiti as unnecessary and disproportionate, potentially violating international law. The creation of a task force, comprised of police units and private contractors, operating independently of the National Police, has further raised concerns about accountability and oversight.
In mid-2025, security firm Vectus Global, led by former U.S. Navy Seal Erik Prince, planned to deploy personnel to Haiti to address gang violence. Additionally, Haitian police are collaborating with a U.N.-backed mission to combat gang activities, although the mission faces challenges due to underfunding and understaffing.
As Haiti navigates through escalating violence and security threats, international scrutiny and calls for proper oversight of security operations are essential to protect civilians and uphold human rights standards.
