2026-02-02

No major gang attacks or security incidents were reported in the last 24 hours February 1-2 representing tense calm following the U.S. Embassy January 31 security alert warning of heavy gunfire and halting all personnel movements. The Embassy alert followed major Haiti National Police operation in Croix-des-Bouquets targeting the 400 Mawozo gang which killed high-value leaders including Zotolan second-in-command of Carrefour Marassa gang and Ti Pikan. In retaliation 400 Mawozo launched attack on Tabarre 27 causing civilian casualties and displacement. On January 30 a Viv Ansanm coalition attack on Tet Ka Jak in Marigot killed 6-7 people including one child, wounded four and resulted in houses burned and businesses looted. February 02, 2026 Armed gangs control an estimated 80-90 percent of Port-au-Prince with the most authoritative recent sources converging on approximately 90 percent. A February 1 Americas Quarterly analysis characterized this as criminal governance noting gangs do not just terrorize they govern by taxing residents, settling disputes, controlling access to markets and deciding who may work, trade or leave. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti documented 5,915 deaths and 2,708 injuries in 2025 with fourth quarter alone accounting for 1,523 deaths and 806 injuries. Significantly 62 percent of Q4 casualties resulted from security force operations including private military contractor drone strikes, 32 percent from gang violence and 6 percent from self-defense groups. The PNH announced February 1 nationwide security reinforcement for February 2026 with newly graduated officers to be deployed to Artibonite, Nord, Centre, Nippes and Sud-Est departments and armored vehicles distributed to previously under-equipped areas. However Haitian media outlet Vant Bef Info noted skeptically that the PNH has issued similar announcements before without results while gangs continue to operate with impunity. The Gang Suppression Force remains severely understrength at approximately 950-1,000 personnel primarily 700-plus Kenyan police against authorized ceiling of 5,550. Major elements are expected to arrive summer 2026 at earliest. Gender-based violence has surged with Medecins Sans Frontieres reporting January 28 that sexual abuse cases at their Port-au-Prince clinic have tripled in the past four years as gang violence surges. An average of 27 women and girls experience gender-based violence daily predominantly rapes including gang rapes. Private military operations continue with Vectus Global the firm founded by Erik Prince providing drone and helicopter strike support to Haitian authorities. Between March 1 and December 30 2025 drone strikes resulted in 973 deaths including 934 suspected gang members and 39 residents including 16 children. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights assessed that most of these drone strikes are likely unlawful under international human rights law.