Haiti Archives

More than 5,600 people killed, nearly 1,500 kidnapped in Haiti in 2024: UN

January 8, 2025

The United Nations said more than 5,600 people were killed and nearly 1,500 were kidnapped in Haiti last year. The deaths reported on Tuesday, Jan. 7, mark a more than 20% increase from 2023 as a U.N.-backed security mission struggles to quell gang violence.

One of the worst gang massacres in recent history occurred in December 2024. Officials said more than 200 people were murdered after a gang leader ordered their executions over allegations of witchcraft.

The U.N. said 315 gang members or people allegedly associated with gangs were hanged by law enforcement or locals, and another nearly 300 were killed in “alleged summary executions” at the hands of police officers.

Gang violence has reportedly forced more than 700,000 Haitians to flee their homes in recent years, with many staying in unsanitary makeshift shelters.

Most Haitians are unable to leave the country because all commercial flights have been halted. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recently extended a ban on commercial flights into Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince until at least March 12 after gangs hit several commercial jets with gunfire in November 2024.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for more money and international help for a thinly stretched multinational security force led by Kenya to help bring Port-au-Prince back under control.

Currently, gangs reportedly control around 85% of the Haitian capital.

Around 550 international police officers are involved in the security mission backed by the U.N. However, those numbers are far below the 2,500 officers promised.

Turk also recommended the U.N. continue its arms embargo against Haiti to keep them from getting “in the hands” of gang members.

In addition to the deaths in 2024, the U.N. said more than 2,200 were injured in Haiti last year.

Texas officials on the watch for ‘maneater’ parasite after detection in Mexico

January 6, 2025

Texas officials are warning hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to be on the lookout for a dangerous parasite. Although U.S. officials successfully wiped out the parasite in 1966, recent detections in cattle across the border in Mexico have animal health experts back on high alert.

The New World Screwworm is still prevalent in Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, raising concerns about its potential spread.

Known as the “maneater,” the parasite begins when a fly lays its eggs in open wounds or living tissue like the eyes, nose, or mouth. Once hatched, the larvae burrow into the flesh, causing damage and even death. As infested animals move, the larvae fall to the ground and develop into adult flies, continuing the cycle.

Signs of infestation include the smell of rotting or decaying flesh, a depressed mood, or loss of appetite.

The advisory from Texas Parks and Wildlife was issued in December of 2024 as the parasite spreads through South and Central America.

Health officials said it primarily affects livestock and wildlife, but pets and humans can also be infected.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that eradicating the screwworm saved $900 million in livestock losses, but the risk of its return remains a constant factor.

To combat the threat, the USDA has allocated more than $160 million in emergency funds to protect wildlife, livestock and pets from the parasite.

Experts recommend covering open wounds and using insect repellent when outdoors as the best prevention.

Haitian gang opens fire on journalists, officers during ceremony

December 24, 2024

A deadly shooting in Haiti on Tuesday reportedly claimed the lives of law enforcement and journalists. A local radio station said it happened during a ceremony in the nation’s capital.

Gang members armed with guns began firing at the country’s largest hospital. At the time, government officials prepared to hold a press conference on its reopening.

In a video on social media, Haiti’s most powerful gang leader is claiming responsibility for the attack. He said his coalition did say the hospital could reopen.

On Facebook, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council offered their condolences and vowed there would be consequences. However, the council did not confirm the number of people wounded.

“We express our sympathy to all the victims’ families, in particular, to the Haitian National Police and all the journalists’ associations.”
Statement by Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council

This summer, the Haitian government was able to regain control of the facility in Port-Au-Prince after closing its doors amid deadly gang attacks.

Officials said gangs run at least 80% of Haiti’s capital, putting the country’s healthcare system in a perilous situation. Looting and fire have destroyed critical medical facilities during a time when the need for resources is at an all-time high.

Since 2022, the Caribbean country has struggled with gang violence.

On Dec. 23, the United Nations released its official report on an attack on hundreds of Haitians earlier this month. Over four days, gang members killed 134 men and 73 women in Port-Au-Prince.

The U.N. report said the majority of victims were elderly, being accused of practicing voodoo and causing the illness of a gang leader’s child. Gang members either burn or dismembered their bodies in an attempt to hide evidence, according to the U.N.

The organization said over 5,300 people have been killed in Haiti since January of this year and more than 12,000 since the start of 2022.

Gang leader in Haiti orders killings of at least 110 over alleged witchcraft

December 9, 2024

Gang violence wracked Haiti over the weekend, leading to the deaths of reportedly nearly 200, including more than 100 elderly people, after a gang leader accused them of causing his child’s sickness through witchcraft. According to the National Human Rights Defense Network, gang members rounded people up who they suspected of practicing voodoo and executed them with machetes and knives in an impoverished western area of Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital.

The killings took place on Friday, Dec. 6, and continued on Saturday, Dec. 7, after the gang leader’s son reportedly died from his illness.

The United Nations says in total at least 184 people died in gang-related violence in Port-au-Prince over the weekend and the latest numbers bring the death toll to 5,000 people this year.

This is the largest mass killing in the country since October, when at least 115 people were reportedly murdered in a farming community by gang members. Authorities say the victims were targeted for forming a vigilante group to fight off gangs in the region.

Officials estimate gangs now control 85% of the Haitian capital. A U.N.-backed security force has been working to quell gang violence since 2022 but is vastly undermanned and underfunded.

The U.N. is attempting to turn the mission into a peacekeeping effort. However, its efforts reportedly face opposition from China and Russia.

UN diplomats offer broad support for peacekeeping mission in Haiti

November 21, 2024

The United Nations is currently considering establishing a peacekeeping operation in Haiti as the country becomes more unstable and gangs take more control of Port-au-Prince. Officials with the U.N. expressed support on Wednesday, Nov. 20, for transitioning a recently extended U.N.-backed multinational security support mission in Haiti into a U.N. peacekeeping operation despite continued opposition from China and Russia.

“Ongoing security council discussions about international engagement in Haiti’s security and stability to succeed the MSS highlight the need of the government of Haiti and the international community to have a long-term vision.” Miroslav Jenca, the U.N. assistant secretary general, said.

Haitian leaders have continually asked the partially deployed and under-resourced multinational security force to be transformed into a peacekeeping effort to enhance funding.

If approved, a lengthy process would begin. The U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would then be required to file a report of recommendations.

The United States and Ecuador presented a proposal for the transition in September. However, it failed after resistance from China and Russia. Both countries have veto powers within the U.N.

Moscow and Beijing are still refusing to get on board, despite most diplomats supporting the idea.

Russia and China argue a pause in violence is needed to rationalize sending a peacekeeping mission. They’ve also signaled a distrust of Haiti’s government.

Instead, Beijing and Moscow are proposing continued focus and fulfilling pledges from the multinational security mission.

Violence on the island nation rose dramatically this month as gangs opened fire on three commercial planes. The shootings caused the U.S. to pause flights into the country.

Just this past week, at least 150 people were reportedly killed in gang-related violence. After the violence, the charity Doctors without Borders suspended operations in Haiti.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety, basic needs and human rights of people residing in gang-controlled areas, in particular those of women and children,” Jenca said. “Predatory gangs systematically attack communities using extreme forms of violence including sexual violence as a weapon to subjugate them.”

A Haitian health official, whose son was reportedly kidnapped, warned if more isn’t done by the international community, “the alternative will be a massive genocide that has already started.” He said only the U.N. has the power to stop it.

UN resuming Haiti aid flights nearly a week after 3 planes hit by gunfire

November 19, 2024

The United Nations announced on Monday, Nov. 18, it will resume aid flights to Hait on Wednesday, Nov. 20. This comes about a week after three commercial planes were hit by gang gunfire that led to a pause in commercial flights to the island nation.

As Straight Arrow News reported last week, the United States announced a pause to all flights into Haiti for at least 30 days after bullets hit three commercial flights.

Armed gangs also reportedly opened fire on a U.N. helicopter and U.S. Embassy truck in Haiti last month.

Haiti’s government restarted helicopter services on Monday, Nov. 18 as it transported three government officials following the ousting and appointment of a new prime minister.

Despite certain flights resuming, most parts of Port-au-Prince remain under gang control, as criminal organizations gain ground in the capital.

The rising violence has dealt a blow to a U.N.-backed international mission to reestablish control of the capital and ease delays of U.N. aid.

The agency says only 20% of the capital is accessible to aid workers and estimated on Sunday, Nov. 17, that more than 20,000 Haitians were displaced over four days. Half of the 20,000 displaced were children and many now face disease and hunger.

The U.N. warns that without more international support “the suffering will worsen exponentially” for Haitians.

FAA bans all US flights to Haiti after 2 commercial jets hit by gunfire

November 12, 2024

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a ban on all U.S. flights to Haiti for at least 30 days on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The announcement follows two U.S. commercial airline jets being hit by gunfire on Monday, Nov. 11, from gangs in Port-au-Prince.

In separate incidents, a Spirit Airlines jet and JetBlue flight were struck by bullets at Haiti’s international airport in Port-au-Prince. Both of the flights were diverted, and no passengers were hurt in the incidents. However, a flight attendant did reportedly suffer minor injuries on the Spirit Airlines flight.

In the wake of the violence, JetBlue canceled all flights to Haiti on Monday until Dec. 2, and Spirit Airlines announced it was suspending flights to Haiti pending an “evaluation” of the incident.

Spirit did arrange a return flight to the United States for the crew after the plane landed safely in the Dominican Republic.

Tuesday’s FAA order applies to all operators of aircrafts registered in the United States except when the operator of the flight is a foreign air carrier. Exceptions will only be made for emergencies and flights permitted by the U.S. government or agency and approved by the FAA.

With ongoing gang violence in Haiti, the U.S. State Department has rated the country as a level four “do not travel” destination, calling the security situation in the Haiti “unpredictable and dangerous.”

Spirit Airlines flight shot at by gangs as it attempts to land in Haiti

November 11, 2024

Haiti’s international airport temporarily shut down on Monday, Nov. 11, as gangs reportedly started shooting at a Spirit Airlines flight in Port-au-Prince. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries in the incident. The violence unfolded as official swore in a new prime minister.

The bullets hit the plane as the crew attempted to make a landing in Haiti’s capital before redirecting to the Dominican Republic, where it safely touched down.

Spirit told the BBC it has halted further flights to Haiti “pending further evaluation.”

United States officials believe gangs targeted the plane to block travel to and from Port-au-Prince. In other parts of Haiti, gun battles continue to break out between gangs and police.

Gang members also set fire to homes in some neighborhoods and schools closed as fears of more violence grew.

The unrest comes a day after a transitional council fired Haiti’s interim prime minister, replacing him with a businessman as three members of the council stand accused of corruption.

The interim council had hired Gary Conille six months ago but had been at odds with him for quite some time, leading to his termination.

Gangs have seized on political turmoil in the past by shutting down airports and shipping ports as Haiti’s government continues infighting.

U.S. officials warn if political upheaval continues Haiti could fall under complete gang control.

Gangs in Haiti struck US Embassy vehicles and UN helicopter with gunfire

October 25, 2024

Gang violence in Haiti’s capital continues to escalate and now it’s sparking concerns for safety among United States and United Nations personnel in the country. Gunfire from gang members reportedly struck two U.S. Embassy vehicles on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and hit a U.N. helicopter on Thursday, Oct. 24.

The gunfire didn’t injure any personnel but the attacks and uptick in chaos around the U.S. Embassy in Haiti is forcing the evacuation of 20 diplomats from Port-Au-Prince.

The apparent targeting of the helicopter will reportedly cause U.S. airlines at Port-au-Prince’s international airport to hold off on operations once again in Haiti’s capital.

Earlier this year, U.S. airlines like Spirit, JetBlue and American suspended flights at Port-au-Prince’s international airport.

The suspension of humanitarian flights comes as Haiti is coming off a temporary cancellation of international cargo ships into Port-Au-Prince after boats were shot at last month, making getting much-needed food aid to Haitians facing hunger even more difficult.

The U.N. Special Representative for Haiti Maria Isabel Salvador said on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to the United Nations Security Council that daily life in Haiti is deteriorating quickly.

“The situation in Haiti has regrettably worsened. There are more than 700,000 internally displaced persons, which represents a 22% increase in the last three months,” Salvador said. “The political process, despite initial advances, which I reported in July, is now facing significant challenges, turning hope into deep concern.”

The U.S. ambassador described the recent attacks on international personnel as a reaction to a more aggressive stance by law enforcement in combatting gang violence in Haiti. A U.N.-backed multinational security force has been deployed to several areas where gang attacks have been launched. Their efforts have reportedly led to the recent casualties of several gang members.

Haitian police fight to keep gang coalition from seizing power of entire capital

October 21, 2024

Gun battles between police and gangs in Haiti’s capital are forcing thousands to flee. Gunmen reportedly fought to take over one of the few areas in Port-au-Prince not already controlled by criminal organizations. The neighborhoods of Solino and Nazon have been under attack since Thursday, Oct. 17.

Gang members threatened residents who do not join their efforts that they will be “burned to ashes.”

The attackers are reportedly a coalition of two rival gangs that joined forces to attack neighborhoods and government institutions. Their efforts forced Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign in February 2024.

The recent violence has reportedly forced more than 4,200 people to flee, and now more than 60% of Haitians left homeless have moved into already crowded emergency shelters.

Over the weekend, Haiti’s police union warned that if it loses these neighborhoods, it could mean losing control of the entire city to gangs. Police said if that happens, no government will be able to be in place.

Gangs currently control 80% of Port-au-Prince. A United Nations-approved Kenyan-led international police force has been sent to try and stop the violence.

Meanwhile, it’s unclear what caused the latest attack. It came days after Haitian and Kenyan police killed 20 suspected gang members.