2026-01-26

Gang control of national roads intensified throughout 2024-2025 as armed groups consolidated territorial authority following President Jovenel Moise's assassination and subsequent state January 26, 2026 collapse. The roadblock system functions as revenue generation mechanism through extortion payments, territorial boundary enforcement preventing rival gang expansion, and strategic economic weapon that constrains Port-au-Prince access to fuel, food, and commercial goods. Previous PNH offensive operations including January 2026 actions in Cite Soleil and Carrefour generated significant civilian casualties and displacement without achieving durable territorial control, establishing pattern of short-term gains followed by gang reconsolidation once security forces withdraw.