Thirty-two anti-gang raids, 43 suspected bandits killed in first quarter, Haitian police say

PORT-AU-PRINCE — The Haitian National Police (PNH) reported Wednesday that 43 suspected gang members were killed during 32 operations carried out in the first three months of 2026, as authorities attempt to curb escalating violence across the country.

Police said two officers were also killed during the operations, which took place in the West, Central and Artibonite departments. Authorities noted that the officers were killed during an operation targeting a kidnapping case in the Delmas suburb, northwest of downtown Port-au-Prince.

The figures were presented during a press conference held in Clercine by spokesperson Garry Desrosiers, who said the operations reflect intensified efforts to regain control from armed groups.

Among the interventions, Desrosiers said police dismantled a gang led by Rodolphe “Chalè” Louissaint in the capital.

“We continue to demonstrate our determination and are making sacrifices so the population can move freely,” the Haitian police spokesperson said.

Weapons seized, arrests made

Police said the operations resulted in the seizure of significant equipment, including 46 rifles, 19 pistols, six drones, 10,659 rounds of ammunition and two armored vehicles.

In parallel, the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) conducted a series of investigations under “Operation Goudougoudou” [Haitian Creole term used in the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake to describe its devastating movement], leading to the referral of 50 people to judicial authorities — 39 men and 11 women — most of them suspected of gang ties.

Anti-drug units also reported seizing more than 76 kilograms of cocaine and marijuana, as well as cash and property linked to illicit activities.

“These results reflect the Haitian National Police’s consistent determination to fight crime,” the institution said in a statement.

Limited impact amid worsening crisis

Despite the increase in operations, security conditions remain dire.

A recent report by the United Nations human rights office found that at least 5,519 people were killed and 2,608 injured between March 2025 and January 2026 in violence involving gangs, security forces and vigilante groups.

The report highlights a widening cycle of violence, with gangs expanding beyond Port-au-Prince into other regions, including Artibonite and the Centre Department.

Gangs were responsible for at least 1,424 killings, while security operations accounted for 3,497 deaths. Vigilante groups contributed to 598 deaths, underscoring concerns about reprisals and abuses.

More broadly, armed groups continue to control key national roads and large portions of the capital — estimated at nearly 90% — limiting movement and access to basic services. The violence has displaced more than 1.4 million people nationwide.

The latest police figures come as critics question the effectiveness of ongoing security efforts, including the Kenya-led multinational mission deployed in June 2024 and additional security support initiatives, which have yet to significantly improve conditions on the ground despite millions spent.

Authorities say operations will continue, but for many Haitians, daily life remains largely unchanged amid persistent insecurity.

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