Haitian police raid Delmas 6, kill gang members amid unconfirmed reports of Chérizier’s death | BREAKING NEWS

NEW YORK —   A Haitian National Police (PNH) operation in the Delmas 6 neighborhood of  Port-au-Prince, a stronghold of gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, resulted in the deaths of several gang members, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced on X, formerly known as Twitter. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Chérizier may have been shot and possibly killed, but the PNH has not confirmed his death.

“The Task Force created by the government and the [Presidential Transitional Council] (CPT), in less than 48 hours, is already yielding results. A large-scale operation is underway in Bas-Delmas, and several gang members have already been neutralized. Security forces are mobilized, and a state of readiness has been declared,” said Fils-Aimé on the government official X account.

“The state will not give in to terror. Haitian people, keep hope: the government stands with you in these difficult times. The fight against gangs is advancing. Haiti will take control of its destiny! The PNH is going on the offensive against armed gangs,” he said.

Another member of the CPT in charge of Justice, Public Security, and the Rule of Law, Emmanuel Vertilaire, confirmed that the security units from the National Palace are conducting a large-scale strategic operation to halt the advance of criminal groups.

“Several gang members have been neutralized, and favorable news for the republic is expected. I am awaiting confirmation,” Vertilaire posted on X.

The operation comes amid escalating gang violence in Port-au-Prince, where Chérizier, a former police officer turned powerful gang leader, has been at the center of a wave of attacks, displacements, and kidnappings.

Chérizier, leader of the G9 Family and Allies gang federation, had 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 controlled 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 was 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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