Hundreds killed in Haiti drone strikes, including 60 civilians: Report

A Human Rights Watch report states that drone strikes by Haitian security forces and private contractors have killed at least 1,243 people and injured 738 in Haiti since March 2025. The strikes, conducted with US-licensed private military firm Vectus Global's support, target gangs in densely populated areas of Port-au-Prince. The report, covering March 1, 2025, to January 21, 2026, found that 60 civilians, including 17 children, were killed in the West Department. HRW analyzed videos showing drones equipped with explosives attacking vehicles and people, some armed, but not posing an imminent threat. HRW urges Haitian authorities to control security forces and contractors, citing a significant increase in drone attacks in recent months.

A Human Rights Watch report states that Haitian security forces, supported by the US-based company Vectus Global, have killed over 1,200 people, including civilians, using explosive drone strikes in anti-gang operations since March. These operations, employing quadcopter drones fitted with explosives, have primarily targeted densely populated areas of Port-au-Prince. The report documents unlawful use of lethal force and urges Haiti's partners to suspend collaboration with its security forces until civilian safeguards are implemented. Despite international support, gangs have expanded beyond the capital, and security forces have not captured major gang leaders, contributing to thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and economic devastation. Neither the Haitian government, Vectus Global, nor the US State Department have commented on the report.