Haitian security operations and international drone strikes have slowed the expansion of powerful armed groups in Port-au-Prince, according to a UN expert report released Tuesday.
The report, issued by experts monitoring UN Security Council sanctions, indicates that while the advance of gangs in the capital has been curbed, the security gains remain fragile.
Authorities have utilized drone strikes enabled by international private contractors and support from self-defense groups to pressure the gangs. However, the outlet France 24 reports that these groups are actively adapting to the crackdown.
"Intensified security efforts by Haitian authorities, alongside nearly a year of drone strikes enabled by international private contractors, and the actions of self-defence groups, have slowed the advance of gangs in the capital," the report stated.
Gangs retreat to outskirts and target remittances
As pressure mounts in the city center, gangs have moved into remote and semi-urban areas. In these locations, they continue to operate with relative freedom, forcing security forces to redeploy and weakening their ability to hold territory in the capital.
Criminal groups have also shifted their focus toward economic targets. While security operations target highway checkpoints, gangs have tightened control over facilities where Haitians collect remittances.
Gang leaders are also changing their tactics to avoid detection. The UN report notes that many leaders, who remain at large, have become more cautious by avoiding social media and public appearances to evade drone threats.
Security operations have not been without cost. The report flagged a significant number of casualties among non-gang members during recent operations backed by private military contractors.
According to a report by UN rights chief Volker Turk, 5,519 people were killed in Haiti between March 2025 and mid-January 2026. At least 3,497 of those deaths resulted from anti-gang operations.
Gangs are leveraging this collateral damage to build local influence. The report claims groups are offering to pay for medical costs or funerals for civilians affected by the strikes to strengthen their local control.
Criminal elements are also expanding their recruitment efforts. The UN experts noted that gangs have increased the use of children for combat and to act as human shields.
