HRW: More than 1,200 killed in Haiti drone strikes by security forces and contractors

Drone strikes carried out by Haitian security forces with the assistance of private contractors have killed at least 1,243 people and injured 738 others in Haiti, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The rights group said the attacks have been conducted since March 2025 in anti-gang operations in and around Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital, where armed groups control roughly 90 percent of the city.

According to HRW, Haitian authorities, with support from Vectus Global, a United States-licensed private military firm, have deployed quadcopter drones strapped with explosives to target suspected gang members, often in densely populated neighborhoods.

The report examined strikes carried out between March 1, 2025, and January 21 in Haiti’s West Department, where Port-au-Prince is located. HRW said at least 17 children and 43 adults not believed to be members of criminal groups were killed during that period.

“Haitian authorities should urgently rein in the security forces and private contractors working for them before more children die,” said Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at Human Rights Watch.

The nonprofit organization said the number of drone attacks in Port-au-Prince has “significantly increased” in recent months. Fifty-seven attacks were reported between November and late January, nearly double the 29 recorded between August and October.

HRW researchers analyzed seven videos posted on social media or shared directly with the group that appeared to show quadcopter drones in action. Four of the videos were geolocated to Port-au-Prince.

“The videos show the repeated use of drones equipped with explosives to attack vehicles and people, some of them armed, but none who appear to be engaged in violent acts or pose any imminent threat to life,” the group said.

The report also noted there was no evidence that criminal groups were widely using drones.

One of the attacks highlighted by HRW occurred on September 20 in the Simon Pele neighborhood, an impoverished community controlled by a gang of the same name.

The strike reportedly killed nine people, including three children, and injured at least eight others as the gang’s leader prepared to distribute gifts to children in the area.

HRW quoted a resident who said the explosion tore off both feet of a baby during the blast.

Among those killed was a six-year-old girl. Her mother told the organization: “In the spaces where the gangs are, there are innocent people, people who raise their children, who follow normal paths.”

According to HRW, families of those killed said the gang controlling the area organized and controlled access to their funerals.

Last month, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti said it had no indications that the deaths and injuries linked to the strikes were being investigated.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights had earlier warned in October that the drone strikes appeared disproportionate and were likely unlawful.