Overview:
The Haitian Nationwide Police stated Saturday it killed at the least 16 suspected gang members from the Grand Ravine and Village-de-Dieu teams in an in a single day operation in Kenscoff. The coordinated crackdown concerned specialised items, drones, snipers and assist from the prime minister’s activity pressure and Erik Prince’s Vectus International contractors. Authorities described the intervention as a part of a broader marketing campaign to dismantle gang strongholds which have plagued the commune since lethal assaults in 2025.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — The Haitian Nationwide Police (PNH) stated at the least 16 suspected gang members had been killed throughout an in a single day operation in Kenscoff on Feb. 20–21, as authorities intensify anti-gang operations throughout the nation.
In a statement launched Saturday, police stated specialised items had been deployed round midnight within the Godet and Wynn Farm areas of Kenscoff, a hillside commune southeast of the capital. The operation focused members of armed teams based mostly in Grand Ravine and Village-de-Dieu who’ve expanded their presence within the space.
In line with the PNH communication division, clashes started round 4 a.m. between officers and suspected gang members. The operation included snipers, two drones, assist from the prime minister’s activity pressure and safety contractors from Erik Prince’s Vectus International.
“Because of a tactical engagement involving the usage of snipers and two drones, 16 bandits had been fatally wounded,” the Haitian Nationwide Police stated, noting that the toll stays preliminary.
Authorities described the intervention as the beginning of a “methodical encirclement” geared toward dismantling gang positions in Kenscoff. Police stated they had been unable to instantly recuperate weapons from the scene due to the gap between officers and the suspects’ positions. The pursuit is ongoing, they added.
Kenscoff below repeated assault as police proceed broader crackdown
Kenscoff has confronted sustained violence since 2025, when gangs linked to the Viv Ansanm coalition launched coordinated assaults on the commune. Throughout an preliminary assault in January 2025, greater than 200 folks had been killed, dozens had been injured and about 3,000 residents — together with 721 youngsters — had been displaced, in accordance with native authorities and humanitarian teams.
Since then, violence has continued. Armed teams have burned properties, carried out kidnappings and killed legislation enforcement officers, together with troopers ambushed in April 2025 and safety brokers stationed on the Teleco telecommunications website.
“Because of a tactical engagement involving the usage of snipers and two drones, 16 bandits had been fatally wounded.”
Haitian Nationwide Police
The beginning of 2026 introduced renewed assaults. On Feb. 11, suspected Viv Ansanm members killed at the least one particular person and set a number of homes ablaze. Earlier assaults on Jan. 29 and Feb. 8 within the Kay Jak space left at the least seven folks lifeless and others kidnapped, residents stated.
Saturday’s operation is a part of a wider anti-gang marketing campaign launched initially of the yr as authorities search to reclaim territory from armed teams that management a lot of the capital and key transport routes.
In January, police carried out operations in Bel-Air and Delmas 6, neighborhoods lengthy related to gang chief Jimmy Cherizier. Authorities reported a number of suspects killed and the seizure of about 33 firearms and greater than 12,000 rounds of ammunition.
Further deployments have taken place in Tabarre, Croix-des-Bouquets and downtown Port-au-Prince. On Feb. 21, police stated officers fatally shot two suspected gang members in Delmas 30 whereas foiling tried kidnappings.
“As these criminals had been getting ready to hold out a kidnapping, legislation enforcement officers instantly intervened,” the police stated. “When the suspects tried to flee, they opened hearth on the officers, prompting a response.”
Police have additionally elevated their presence in provincial cities, together with Cap-Haïtien, Jacmel and Gonaïves, deploying extra officers and armored automobiles.
Ongoing humanitarian disaster
Regardless of the stepped-up operations, the safety scenario stays dire. United Nations businesses estimate that greater than 12,000 armed gang members function throughout the nation, controlling massive parts of Port-au-Prince and main roadways linking departments.
Greater than 1.4 million folks stay displaced nationwide, and humanitarian teams warn that entry to meals, well being care and training continues to deteriorate as insecurity spreads.
Whereas authorities current the current operations as tactical positive aspects, analysts warning that lasting stability will rely on sustained safety efforts, institutional reform and expanded worldwide assist.