Human Rights Watch Says Haiti Drone Strikes Killed Over 1,200 People

Post by : Saif

A new report by Human Rights Watch has raised serious concerns about the use of explosive drones in Haiti’s fight against powerful armed gangs. The report says that hundreds of people, including many civilians, have died during drone attacks carried out by Haitian security forces in recent months.

According to the investigation, drone strikes targeting gang members have killed more than 1,200 people since March last year. Among the victims were at least 60 civilians, including children, which has alarmed human rights groups and international observers.

The drone attacks were part of a wider campaign by Haiti’s government to control violent gangs that dominate large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. These gangs have expanded their power in recent years, taking control of neighborhoods, blocking roads, and threatening the safety of ordinary citizens.

Human Rights Watch said the strikes were carried out using small quadcopter drones loaded with explosives. These drones were flown into areas where gangs operate and then detonated.

However, many of these operations reportedly took place in densely populated urban neighborhoods, where civilians live and work. This has raised concerns that some of the strikes may have violated international human rights standards.

Researchers from the organization examined medical records, videos, witness accounts, and interviews with victims’ families. Based on this evidence, they concluded that the drone operations had caused heavy casualties and that not all those killed were involved in gang activities.

In addition to those killed, the report says 738 people were injured during the attacks. Some victims were residents who happened to be near the targeted areas when the drones exploded.

One of the deadliest incidents mentioned in the report took place in September 2025 in the Simon Pelé area of Port-au-Prince, where nine people were killed, including three children.

Human Rights Watch warned that the use of explosive drones in crowded neighborhoods could lead to unlawful killings if proper safeguards are not in place.

The report also said that the Haitian security forces carried out the operations with support from a private military contractor called Vectus Global, a company linked to Erik Prince, the founder of the former security firm Blackwater.

According to the report, the company helped provide technology and support for the drone program. However, there has been little public information about oversight, rules for the use of force, or investigations into civilian deaths.

Human Rights Watch called on Haitian authorities and their international partners to immediately review the drone campaign and introduce stronger protections for civilians.

The organization’s Americas director, Juanita Goebertus, warned that authorities must act quickly to prevent more innocent people from dying. She said governments supporting Haiti’s security forces should pause cooperation until safeguards are introduced.

The situation in Haiti remains extremely unstable. Armed gangs control large parts of the capital and have spread into other regions of the country. These groups are responsible for widespread violence, kidnappings, and attacks on communities.

According to international reports, gangs now control around 90 percent of Port-au-Prince, making it difficult for the government to maintain law and order.

Gang violence has forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes. Many families have been displaced and are struggling to find food, shelter, and medical care.

To address the crisis, an international security mission supported by the United Nations and led by Kenyan police forces has been deployed to assist Haiti’s national police. However, the mission has faced funding problems and shortages of personnel.

Because of these challenges, Haitian authorities have increasingly relied on new tactics such as drone strikes to fight heavily armed gangs.

Supporters of the strategy say drones can target criminal groups without sending officers into extremely dangerous neighborhoods. They believe the technology can help weaken gangs that have been terrorizing communities.

But critics argue that the method carries serious risks when used in crowded urban areas. They warn that explosive drones can easily harm people who are not involved in criminal activity.

Human rights groups say governments must follow strict rules when using force, especially in populated areas. International law requires security forces to avoid attacks that could harm civilians and to investigate incidents where innocent people are killed.

The report states that no clear investigations have been launched into the drone strikes that caused civilian deaths. This lack of accountability has increased concern among rights organizations and humanitarian groups.

Residents of affected neighborhoods have also expressed fear. Some people told investigators they are afraid to leave their homes because drones can appear suddenly and strike without warning.

The growing use of drones in conflicts around the world has raised difficult questions about accountability and safety. While the technology allows governments to target enemies from a distance, it also increases the risk of mistakes or unintended casualties.

In Haiti’s case, the challenge is even greater because the country is already facing a deep humanitarian and political crisis.

Years of political instability, economic hardship, and natural disasters have weakened state institutions. The rise of powerful gangs has made the situation even more dangerous for ordinary citizens.

Experts say restoring security in Haiti will require more than military operations. It will also require stronger government institutions, economic support, and long-term international cooperation.

The report by Human Rights Watch highlights the difficult balance between fighting criminal violence and protecting human rights.

As Haiti continues its struggle against powerful gangs, the world will be watching closely to see whether authorities can restore order while ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians.

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