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Haiti drone strikes have reportedly killed more than 1,200 people, including dozens of civilians and children, according to a new report released by Human Rights Watch. The findings highlight growing concerns about the impact of security operations targeting armed gangs in the Caribbean nation.
The report states that Haiti drone strikes carried out by Haitian security forces have intensified over recent months as authorities attempt to combat powerful gangs operating across the country. However, rights groups warn that the operations may be causing significant civilian casualties.
Report Details Civilian Deaths in Haiti Drone Strikes
According to Human Rights Watch, Haiti drone strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,243 people between March of last year and January this year. Among those killed were 43 adult civilians and 17 children.
The report also states that at least 738 individuals were injured during the same period, including dozens believed to be civilians.
Human Rights Watch based its findings on interviews with doctors, family members of victims, community leaders and available video evidence documenting the attacks.
The organization said the growing number of Haiti drone strikes raises serious questions about the use of lethal force in densely populated areas.
Security Forces Using Explosive Quadcopter Drones
The investigation found that Haitian security forces have been using quadcopter drones equipped with explosive devices during anti gang operations.
These Haiti drone strikes are often carried out in neighborhoods within the capital city of Port au Prince where armed gangs maintain strong control.
Human Rights Watch said the drones are capable of maneuvering through narrow streets and between buildings while operators track suspected targets using live video feeds.
Officials say the strategy is intended to weaken gangs that have taken control of large sections of the capital.
Private Security Firm Linked to Operations
The report also noted the involvement of a private military company known as Vectus Global.
According to the findings, the company has supported security operations connected to Haiti drone strikes. The firm is reportedly led by Erik Prince, the founder of the former private security company Blackwater.
Authorities in Haiti and representatives from Vectus Global did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations mentioned in the report.
Officials from the United States State Department have previously confirmed that the company received a license to export certain services to Haiti.
Children Among Victims of Haiti Drone Strikes
Human Rights Watch said some of the most concerning incidents involved children who were killed during the operations.
The report states that more than half of the child victims were between the ages of three and twelve.
Many of these children were reportedly killed during a drone strike last September at a sports center where a local gang was distributing gifts to residents.
The deaths have intensified criticism surrounding the use of Haiti drone strikes in crowded urban areas.
Residents Report Fear of Drone Attacks
Local residents interviewed for the report said the presence of drones has created widespread fear in several neighborhoods.
Some residents told investigators they were afraid to leave their homes because of the possibility of sudden Haiti drone strikes.
Witnesses described drones flying above buildings and moving vehicles while targeting suspected gang members.
Rights groups say this situation has contributed to rising anxiety among civilians living in areas where security operations are ongoing.
United Nations Also Raises Concerns
The United Nations office in Haiti has also documented civilian casualties linked to drone operations.
Investigators recorded several incidents where civilians were killed or injured during Haiti drone strikes.
In one case, a woman selling goods on the street was reportedly killed during a drone attack. In another incident, a woman died inside her home when suspected gang members entered the building to hide from a drone.
United Nations officials have said they have not yet seen evidence that these incidents are being formally investigated.
Gangs Continue Expanding Across Haiti
Despite increased security operations, armed gangs remain a major threat in Haiti.
Reports indicate that gangs have expanded their influence beyond the capital city and continue to control large areas of the country.
The violence has killed thousands of people, displaced more than one million residents and severely damaged the country’s economy.
Authorities say Haiti drone strikes are part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening gang networks that have destabilized the nation.
Calls for Greater Safeguards
Human Rights Watch is calling on Haitian authorities and their international partners to introduce stronger safeguards to protect civilians.
The organization urged the government to review the use of Haiti drone strikes and ensure security operations follow international human rights standards.
Human Rights Watch also recommended that cooperation with Haitian security forces be reassessed until clear measures are in place to prevent further civilian casualties.
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