Haitian police launched a large-scale operation against gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, widely known as “Barbecue,” in the Lower Delmas area of the capital, authorities confirmed. The raid, which began on Sunday, has reportedly led to the deaths of several gang members as security forces attempt to reclaim control of gang-infested neighborhoods.
This assault marks the first major action by a special task force formed just two days ago to combat insecurity, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announced. The operation involved heavy police firepower, and local reports suggest that military drones equipped with explosives were used to target gang hideouts.
Chérizier, a former police officer, leads Viv Ansam (Live Together), a powerful gang coalition controlling large sections of Port-au-Prince. Under his leadership, criminal groups have orchestrated kidnappings, extortions, and deadly attacks, leaving the country in a state of near anarchy.
The escalating gang violence in Haiti has plunged the nation into crisis. In 2024 alone, more than 5,500 people were killed due to gang-related violence, while over a million residents have been displaced. The capital remains gripped by lawlessness, with hospitals barely functioning and food insecurity worsening daily.
The transitional presidential council, tasked with restoring democratic governance and organizing long-overdue elections, has made little progress in stabilizing the country. As police forces intensify efforts against criminal groups, concerns remain about the long-term effectiveness of these operations.
It is unclear whether Kenyan police officers, deployed to Haiti last year as part of an international security mission, are involved in the current offensive. The Kenyan-led force was expected to assist Haitian authorities in restoring order, but logistical and political hurdles delayed its full deployment.
With the government ramping up anti-gang measures, many Haitians remain hopeful for a return to stability. However, with Chérizier’s gang deeply entrenched and no immediate political resolution in sight, the battle for Port-au-Prince is far from over.
