Haitian police report 43 gang members killed since start of year

The Haitian National Police (PNH) reported that at least 43 gang members were killed between January and March 2026, following 32 security operations across three departments of the country.

In a statement summarizing the first quarter’s results, the PNH said authorities also seized 46 rifles, 19 pistols, six drones, and 10,659 rounds of ammunition. Additional confiscated items included five communication radios, Molotov cocktails, and two armored vehicles.

The Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) conducted a high-profile operation codenamed “Goudougoudou,” which resulted in 50 individuals – including 11 women – being brought before the courts. The operation also recovered 76 kilograms of cocaine and marijuana, a substantial amount of cash, and 10 vehicles. Authorities reported that one hostage was freed unharmed, seven armed criminals were killed during the operation, and the gang of Rodolphe Louissaint, known as “Chalè,” was dismantled.

The DCPJ also announced the arrest of 10 officials from the General Directorate of Immigration and Emigration on suspicion of participating in a network issuing counterfeit passports. The suspects were taken to the Port-au-Prince Prosecutor’s Office for questioning.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Council highlighted the escalating crisis in Haiti, where gang violence has intensified. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least 5,500 people were killed and 2,600 injured in gang-related violence between March 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026.

The Council noted that approximately 65% of casualties occurred during operations by security forces targeting gangs, while more than 20% of victims, including children, were hit by stray bullets at home or on the street. Gangs currently control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are expanding toward its outskirts and into the Artibonite and Centre departments.

The PNH’s first-quarter report underscores the ongoing struggle between Haitian authorities and organized gangs, with continued operations aimed at curbing the escalating violence and restoring some measure of security to the island.