2026-02-10

Security force operations are entering new phase of intensity with confirmed gang attacks in peri-urban areas and municipal government launching aggressive urban clearance operations. Metropole Tele reported at least seven killed in gang attack in Nouvelle Touraine Kenscoff with numerous houses burned. Kenscoff Mayor Massillon Jean deplored abandonment of communal sections by police which leaves field open to gangs. This attack demonstrates continued gang expansion into peri-urban areas beyond Port-au-Prince core consistent with territorial probing patterns documented by ACLED and BINUH throughout 2025. Delmas Mayor Wilson Jeudy announced comprehensive demolition operation against illegal structures on sidewalks beginning February 11 2026. All illegal structures on sidewalks will be demolished without exception with rationale that illegal constructions obstruct traffic endanger public safety and impede urban development. Residents received minimal notice to relocate belongings. A similar operation in Cap-Haitien in January 2026 drew sharp criticism from February 10, 2026 Chamber of Commerce which condemned demolitions carried out without reasonable notice without prior communication of clear and structured plan. Delmas operation will likely trigger protests and economic disruption in one of Port-au-Prince key commercial corridors. Le Nouvelliste continues to headline security posture with phrase Vers l'intensification des operations et de la puissance de feu des forces de l'ordre. The verb intensifier was confirmed as single-word operational directive from well-placed security source. PNH Grand'Anse department reported 77 arrests between January 1-31 2026 with 48 on warrants and 29 caught in flagrante delicto representing notable enforcement capacity outside capital. Port-au-Prince airport crossroads sub-police station reopened improving security around critical transportation infrastructure. Gang leader Barbecue Cherizier remains dislodged from Delmas 6 stronghold with current location unconfirmed. Security baseline remains essentially unchanged with gang control of Port-au-Prince estimated at 85-90 percent. Viv Ansanm coalition cohesion remains fractured since December 2025 due to internal disputes over kidnapping policies. The critical gap in international security support continues through April 2026 between MSS drawdown and GSF activation. OAS confirmed GSF deployment timeline with first contingents expected in April 2026 and full deployment targeted for October 2026. Eighteen countries have pledged security forces for GSF consisting of up to 5500 personnel under UNSCR 2793 Chapter VII mandate but key unresolved issues include GSF leadership appointment Special Representative designation and financing mechanisms.