Witnesses in the city describe the strikes as terrifying and sudden. “The ground shook like it does during an earthquake,” said Jimmy Antoine, a 23-year-old resident. Drones began to be deployed in March, reportedly targeting strongholds of notorious gang leaders like Johnson “Izo” André of the “5 Segonn” group. At least one such strike was captured on video showing an explosive detonation in the gang-held Fort National neighbourhood.

The drones, believed to be low-cost first-person-view (FPV) models, are often equipped with improvised explosives—possibly commercial mining charges or homemade black powder devices.

Shadow Support and International Intrigue

Reports suggest a secretive taskforce involving foreign military contractors may be behind the drone campaign. The New York Times recently revealed that Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, was aiding the Haitian government in organising targeted drone operations. Haitian transitional council head Fritz Alphonse Jean acknowledged that a private security firm had been contracted but declined to name it.

Despite these opaque arrangements, the Haitian human rights group RNDDH supported the use of drones as a proportionate response to heavily armed gangs. “These operations are having an impact,” said RNDDH’s Rosy Auguste Ducéna, pointing to reduced gunfire and reopened schools and banks in affected neighbourhoods.

Caution Over Civilian Risks and Democratic Oversight

Critics, however, warn that the campaign could spiral into an arms race. Foreign analysts question the legality of drone strikes in a non-war context and worry about potential civilian casualties. There are also concerns over democratic accountability, as the drone operations are reportedly being overseen directly by the office of Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aimé rather than national security institutions.

Human rights experts warn of escalation, especially if gangs begin to acquire and use similar drone weaponry—a scenario not far-fetched given recent arrests in the Dominican Republic involving suspected attempts to procure drones.