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

Hundreds killed in Haiti drone strikes, including 60 civilians: Report
**Drone Strikes in Haiti: Hundreds killed, Including 60 Civilians** Reports have emerged that drone strikes carried out by Haitian security forces and private contractors have resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, including 60 civilians, in the capital city of Port-au-Prince since 2025. This alarming development has sparked concerns from human rights groups, with many calling for an immediate halt to these operations. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the drone strikes have been carried out by Haitian security forces in collaboration with Vectus Global, a US-licensed private military firm. These operations, aimed at combating gang violence, have seen the deployment of quadcopter drones armed with explosives in densely populated areas of Port-au-Prince. The report highlights a disturbing trend, with 17 children and 43 adults, who were not believed to be members of any criminal groups, killed in these strikes. HRW researchers analyzed videos shared on social media, which showed the repeated use of drones to attack vehicles and people, many of whom were unarmed and posed no threat to life. The situation in Port-au-Prince is particularly dire, with gangs controlling an estimated 90% of the city. While the HRW report notes that drone use is not widespread among criminal groups, the use of these deadly devices has significantly increased in recent months, with 57 reported attacks between November and late January, nearly double the number of attacks recorded between August and October. HRW has called on Haitian authorities to rein in the security forces and private contractors working with them, to prevent further loss of life. "There are innocent people caught in the crossfire," said Juanita Goebertus, Americas director at HRW. This report serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and respect for human rights in the face of escalating violence. As the situation in Haiti continues to unfold, it is essential that the international community pays close attention to this developing crisis and demands action from those responsible.
Source: Original Article • AI-enhanced version for clarity & Nigerian context