Haitian Police recovered bodies of four killed in operation
The Haitian National Police (PNH) said Tuesday it has recovered the bodies of four people, including three police officers, who were killed during an operation against armed gangs last Friday.
The police force said specialized units deployed in the Artibonite department recovered the remains of the officers and a civilian scout who also died during the operation at Carrefour Robert, where security forces were attempting to dislodge armed groups.
No further details were immediately provided on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The recovery comes as Haiti continues to grapple with escalating gang violence that has left large parts of the country under the control of criminal groups.
On Monday, the United Nations warned that armed attacks in Artibonite have triggered new waves of displacement, placing additional pressure on already vulnerable communities in the French-speaking Caribbean nation.
The UN estimates that armed gangs now control approximately 90 per cent of Port-au-Prince, as well as significant portions of the countryside. The groups have been linked to widespread human rights abuses, large-scale displacement, and the effective paralysis of key state functions.
The violence has forced more than 1.4 million people from their homes, according to UN figures.
Meanwhile, the newly authorised Gang Suppression Force (GSF) — a multinational security mission approved by the UN Security Council — announced the gradual launch of its operations in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. The mission said it remains committed to transparency and will report on its activities as operations expand.
No operational details were disclosed. The 12-month mandate authorises the 5,550-strong force to work alongside Haitian authorities to dismantle gangs, secure critical infrastructure and support humanitarian access, with the goal of protecting civilians and preventing further displacement.
The GSF replaces the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission.
Separately, the United Nations reported progress in Haiti’s justice sector, noting the opening of two specialised judicial units aimed at addressing complex corruption cases, including arms trafficking and money laundering.
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the units will also handle serious human rights cases, including killings, kidnappings, sexual violence and child trafficking.
“Our colleagues say the creation of these specialised units is a significant step toward tackling widespread impunity in Haiti,” Dujarric said, adding that gang-related violence has caused at least 2,300 deaths so far this year.
He also noted that nearly 700 people — particularly women and girls — have been victims of sexual violence, while hundreds of children have been trafficked by gangs.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged Haitian authorities to quickly implement the new judicial structures in line with international human rights standards, with support from the international community.