HRW: Haiti Police Drone Attacks Kill 1,243, Injure 738; Civilians, Children Among Victims

• Human Rights Watch reports 1,243 killed and 738 injured by drones operated by Haitian security forces and private contractors between March 2025 and January 2026.
• Among the dead are 17 children and 43 adults not believed to be gang members; at least 49 civilians were injured.
• Drone attacks, often using explosives, have significantly increased in Port-au-Prince, with videos showing attacks on people not engaged in violent acts.
• A September 2025 attack in Simon Pele killed 9, including 3 children, during a gang leader's gift distribution.
• UN human rights chief Volker Turk deems the use of lethal force unnecessary and a potential violation of international law; Haiti's government formed a task force using explosive drones.