Private security contractors join Haitian police in fight against gangs

Erik Prince, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and founder of private security company Vectus Global, said Tuesday that some of his employees were helping Haitian police fight gangs. Prince shared a CNN video showing a gang leader asking his contractors to stop their operations in Haiti.

Prince’s company has supported a task force working to combat gangs in Port-au-Prince, where armed groups have expanded their control since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Vectus Air Defense Systems, another business associated with Prince, is also known for carrying out drone strikes.

Prince said he recently visited Port-au-Prince and saw signs of improved security. He claimed that joint security forces had stopped gang advances and made progress in pushing armed groups back. He also said some markets had reopened, children were returning to school in uniform and police were patrolling the streets.

However, violence continues in several parts of Haiti. A United Nations-backed multinational force has deployed to help suppress gangs, but the UN reported on September 29 that the mission had not yet reached its target of 5,500 troops.

UN reports civilian deaths during security operations

A recent UN report warned that security forces have killed bystanders while targeting gangs, particularly during operations involving explosive drones. At least 95 people not associated with gangs were killed between April and June, and drone operations killed or injured six children, according to the report.

The UN also noted that although security forces had curbed gang activity in some areas of the capital, violence worsened in other neighborhoods as rival gangs clashed. The findings highlight the challenges facing efforts to restore security while protecting civilians.