Haiti Drone Strikes Kill Hundreds, Including 60 Civilians, According to New Report

Haiti Drone Strikes Report Released by Human Rights Watch

A report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has found that drone strikes carried out by Haitian security forces and private contractors have resulted in significant civilian casualties in Port-au-Prince since 2025. According to the report, at least 1,243 people have been killed and 738 injured in the capital city.

The strikes, which began in March last year, were part of an antigang operation using quadcopter drones equipped with explosives. The operations targeted areas heavily controlled by gangs, including densely populated parts of Port-au-Prince. HRW analyzed seven videos showing drone attacks and geolocated four of them to the city.

The report found that 17 children and 43 adults were killed in strikes from March 1, 2025, to January 21, in West Department, where Port-au-Prince is located. The group stated that none of those targeted appeared to be engaged in violent acts or pose an imminent threat to life.

HRW’s Americas director, Juanita Goebertus, urged Haitian authorities to rein in security forces and private contractors before more children die. The report also noted that the number of drone attacks in Port-au-Prince has significantly increased in recent months.

The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti stated last month that it had no indications that the deaths and injuries were being investigated. HRW found no evidence that drones were being used widely by gangs, contradicting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ previous statement that the strikes were disproportionate and likely unlawful.

Source: Al Jazeera