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Haiti: Security Forces Launch Major Operations Against Gangs

Published January 18, 2026, 06:06
Haiti: Security Forces Launch Major Operations Against Gangs

Security forces in Haiti have launched a large-scale offensive against criminal gangs, aiming to regain control of the capital, Port-au-Prince. As part of this operation, notorious gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue,” was displaced from one of his homes. The operation is being carried out using drones and with the assistance of a counter-gang force replacing the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission with UN approval, as well as a private military company. Police express optimism about regaining control of the capital soon, while gang violence has displaced 1.4 million people and caused acute food insecurity for 5.7 million Haitians.