In Port-au-Prince, Police Operations Continue in Gang Strongholds

To counter the actions of the Viv Ansanm coalition, recently classified among international terrorist organizations, the Haitian National Police continued its operations in gang strongholds. Last week, Ti Lapli's men had to retreat, victims of kamikaze drone strikes. Rumors then circulated about possible serious injuries to the Gran Ravin kingpin.

Before that, public security forces had led a major offensive in Kenscoff, routing the gangs' advance in this commune of the metropolitan area. Citizens even returned home, according to available information.

This week, the areas of Village de Dieu, Torcel, and Pernier suffered repeated assaults from Haitian security forces. Gang leader Kraze Baryè, Vitelhomme Innocent, had to flee his stronghold, wounded by a drone strike. The same scenario occurred for kingpin Izo, from the 5 Segond group, also hit by a drone. However, while rumors of possible serious injuries to these gang leaders are circulating online, they cannot be confirmed or verified.

Meanwhile, the American newspaper, The New York Times, announced this week that the Haitian government has hired the American private military firm, BLACKWATER, to assist in the fight against armed gangs.

Given the collapse of the security situation, these advances by the Haitian authorities could bring a new dynamic to counter the actions of gangs in Haiti over the past few years.