San Jose (Costa Rica), March 10: Human Rights Watch on Tuesday said drones operated by Haitian security forces and private contractors killed at least 1,243 people and injured 738 others between March 1, 2025, and January 21, 2026, raising serious concerns over unlawful use of force in the violence-hit Caribbean nation.
According to the rights group, those killed included 17 children and 43 adults who were not believed to be part of any criminal group. At least 49 of those injured were also believed to be civilians. The group said the deadliest single drone operation killed 57 people.
Human Rights Watch said drone attacks in Port-au-Prince, where gangs control large parts of the capital, have risen sharply in recent months. It reported 57 armed drone attacks between November and late January, compared with 29 from August to October last year.
The organisation said its researchers analysed videos showing quadcopter drones carrying explosives and geolocated several of them to Port-au-Prince. It alleged that some of the attacks appeared to target people who were not engaged in violent acts and did not pose any immediate threat to life.
One of the incidents cited in the report took place on September 20, 2025, in the Simon Pele neighbourhood. Human Rights Watch said the strike killed nine people, including three children, and injured at least eight others.
The rights group urged Haitian authorities to ensure transparency, accountability and independent investigations into deaths linked to such operations. It also called for adequate reparations where violations are found.
Haiti’s National Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to the report.
The issue comes amid worsening gang violence in Haiti and the expanding use of force by security agencies and contracted personnel. Human Rights Watch said authorities must urgently rein in operations before more civilian lives are lost.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on a PTI copy. Only minor edits have been made for clarity and presentation.)