Haiti Drones Unleash Deadly Force: 1,200+ Killed

Explosive drone strikes by Haitian security forces have resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals, including 43 adult civilians and 17 children, according to a Human Rights Watch report released on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. These operations, which began last March, involve quadcopter drones equipped with explosives and are supported by Vectus Global, a private U.S. company led by Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater. HRW documented unlawful use of lethal force, with the rights group's Americas director urging Haiti's partners to cease collaboration until civilian protection safeguards are implemented. The strikes have killed 1,243 people and injured 738 between March 2025 and January 21, 2026. Concerns are heightened as drone operations nearly doubled from November 2025 to January 2026 compared to the prior three months. Local residents expressed fear of leaving their homes due to the drones' maneuverability in urban areas. The U.N. office in Haiti has also recorded civilian casualties, with no indications that investigations into these deaths are underway. Despite international support, gangs continue to operate widely, crippling the economy and displacing over a million people.