In an effort to restore law and order, Haiti's police have initiated a significant operation targeting the stronghold of renowned gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, known as "Barbecue," in Port-au-Prince's Lower Delmas area.
Haiti's Police Launch Operation Against Notorious Gang Leader Barbecue
Haiti's Police Launch Operation Against Notorious Gang Leader Barbecue
Haiti's government escalates efforts to combat gang violence in Port-au-Prince amid rising insecurity.
The Haitian authorities confirmed that a large-scale operation was underway against Chérizier, who leads the coalition of gangs known as Viv Ansam, controlling large segments of the capital. During this operation, which saw the involvement of military drones carrying explosives, several gang members were reportedly killed. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé commended the assault, noting it was led by a special task force established just two days prior to address the deepening insecurity afflicting the nation.
Chérizier, 47, remains a prominent figure in Haiti's ongoing gang crisis, which has caused devastating impacts on public safety, health services, and food security. The capital has witnessed unprecedented levels of violence, with over 5,500 fatalities attributed to gang-related activities in 2024 alone, and significant population displacement affecting over a million residents.
The multinational security assistance from Kenyan police officers, deployed to support Haiti's law enforcement, was called into question following the recent death of a Kenyan officer during an altercation with gang members.
As Haiti grapples with its unstable security situation, the transitional presidential council's attempts to restore democratic governance and organize long-postponed elections continue to face significant challenges. The stakes for the nation's future have grown increasingly dire, with the ongoing struggle against organized crime illustrating the urgent need for effective governance and public safety measures.
Chérizier, 47, remains a prominent figure in Haiti's ongoing gang crisis, which has caused devastating impacts on public safety, health services, and food security. The capital has witnessed unprecedented levels of violence, with over 5,500 fatalities attributed to gang-related activities in 2024 alone, and significant population displacement affecting over a million residents.
The multinational security assistance from Kenyan police officers, deployed to support Haiti's law enforcement, was called into question following the recent death of a Kenyan officer during an altercation with gang members.
As Haiti grapples with its unstable security situation, the transitional presidential council's attempts to restore democratic governance and organize long-postponed elections continue to face significant challenges. The stakes for the nation's future have grown increasingly dire, with the ongoing struggle against organized crime illustrating the urgent need for effective governance and public safety measures.
