HRW Reports 1,243 Killed in Haiti Drone Strikes Since March 2025

Human Rights Watch reported Tuesday that drone strikes conducted by Haitian security forces and private contractors have killed at least 1,243 people and injured 738 others in and around Port-au-Prince since March 1, 2025, with significant civilian casualties raising concerns over the operations' lawfulness.

The strikes, carried out using quadcopter drones equipped with explosives, targeted criminal gangs in densely populated areas of Haiti's capital, which remains 90 percent under gang control. According to the report, the attacks occurred through January 21, 2026, in the West Department, where Port-au-Prince is located. Among those killed were 17 children and 43 adults not believed to be affiliated with any criminal groups. At least 49 of the injured were civilians, the group said. One operation resulted in 57 deaths, the highest toll documented.

The frequency of drone attacks has surged in recent months, with 57 incidents reported between November 2025 and late January 2026, nearly double the 29 recorded from August through October of the previous year. Human Rights Watch researchers analyzed seven videos from social media and other sources, geolocating four to...