Hundreds killed in Haiti drone strikes, including 60 civilians: Report | Human Rights News
Haitian Drone Strikes Reportedly Result in Over 1,200 Deaths
Human Rights Watch Reports Significant Civilian Casualties from Security Operations
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Drone strikes conducted by Haitian security forces and private contractors have resulted in at least 1,243 deaths and 738 injuries since March 2025, according to a report from Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The security operations, which have involved quadcopter drones equipped with explosives, are primarily aimed at combating gang activity in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where gangs control approximately 90 percent of the territory. The drones have been used in densely populated areas, raising concerns about civilian safety.
HRW’s findings, covering the period from March 1, 2025, to January 21, 2026, indicate that these strikes have resulted in the deaths of 17 children and 43 adults not affiliated with criminal organizations. The attacks have reportedly intensified, with 57 drone strikes documented from November to late January, nearly double the 29 strikes recorded from August through October.
Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at HRW, implored Haitian authorities to take immediate action to regulate the security forces and their private contractors to prevent further civilian casualties.
The nonprofit organization analyzed videos shared on social media that showcase the drones in action, confirming that some were geolocated within Port-au-Prince. The footage illustrates the use of drones to target vehicles and individuals, many of whom were not engaged in any direct violent activities.
One particularly deadly incident occurred on September 20 in the Simon Pele neighborhood, where nine individuals, including three children, were killed during a drone strike aimed at a gang leader’s public event. Residents recounted harrowing experiences of the attack’s impact, including the devastation faced by families.
Multiple accounts from grieving families have indicated that the local gang controlled access to funerals for victims of the drone strikes, further complicating the community’s grief.
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti recently announced that it has no evidence indicating any inquiries are being conducted into the deaths and injuries resulting from these attacks. HRW noted that while the strikes have been widespread, they have not detected significant drone use among criminal groups.
In October, the UN’s high commissioner for human rights characterized the drone attacks as disproportionate and possibly unlawful, emphasizing the need for legal scrutiny.
As the situation develops, local and international observers continue to call for accountability and a reassessment of the methods employed in the ongoing struggle against gang violence in Haiti.
