Video disputes rumors of gang leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Chérizier’s death, government operation in Delmas

NEW YORK – A video circulated Saturday night featuring Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, the leader of the G9 and Allies gang federation, disputing unconfirmed reports of his death and challenging government claims of a major security operation in his stronghold in the Delams 6 neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.

The video was posted hours after Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced on X, formerly known as Twitter that a task force created by the government and the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), had conducted a large-scale operation in Bas-Delmas resulting in the neutralization of several gang members.

Dressed in all black, Chérizier recorded the video at 7:16 p.m., stating the date and time to counter speculation about his condition. In the footage, he dismissed government claims of an attack on his stronghold and asked individuals off-camera –—whom he referred to as his “soldiers”—whether an operation had taken place. Voices in the background responded that no such event had occurred.

Earlier in the evening, Fils-Aimé  declared the operation a success, stating that the government task force was already yielding results within 48 hours of its formation. Following his announcement, unverified reports circulated suggesting that Chérizier had been shot, severely injured or possibly killed. However,  the Haitian National Police (PNH) did not confirm these claims, and the government did not state that Chérizier was amonf those neutralized in the operation.

In another part of the video, Chérizier mocked the government’s offensive and claimed  he has access to the same drones and new ammunition authorities used in the alleged attack. He also issued a warning stating was prepared to respond with force.

Ongoing instability in Port-au-Prince

The operation comes amid escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince, where armed groups have tightened their control over various parts of the capital.  Chérizier, a former police officer turned powerful gang leader, has been a central figure in clashes invoving gangs and security forces. Authorities have linked him to a series of violent incidents, including kidnappings and attacks on rival groups and law enforcement.  Chérizier has long evaded law enforcement despite being one of Haiti’s most wanted men. He was under investigation by the PNH for orchestrating massacres, kidnappings, and widespread extortion in Port-au-Prince.

His gang coalition controls large sections of the capital, tightening its grip over key neighborhoods through brutal violence and strategic alliances. Under his leadership, armed groups carried out deadly attacks, including the 2018 La Saline massacre, where dozens of civilians were slaughtered. Chérizier is also accused of leading coordinated offensives against rival gangs and security forces, further destabilizing the city.

Since February of last year, Port-au-Prince has been in a state of near-total paralysis due to escalating violence from gangs. Their alleged criminal activities have instilled a climate of terror that affects all sectors of activity in the country. The human toll has been devastating, with both civilians and police officers falling victim to gang violence. These gangs have targeted hospitals, schools, and commercial banks, and have set fire to at least a dozen police stations and substations.

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