At least eight children were killed and six others were seriously injured in a slum in Haiti’s capital by explosive drones targeting a suspected gang leader, as reported by relatives and activists to The Associated Press on Monday. The tragic incident occurred in Cité Soleil, controlled by Viv Ansanm, a powerful gang coalition recognized by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization. Following the attack, residents reported at least 13 fatalities, including children and civilians. Claudia Bobrun, 30, emotionally shared a video of her eight-year-old daughter lying in a pool of blood, highlighting the devastating impact on families.
The explosions, which took place on Saturday night, sparked chaos and tragedy in the community, with Michelin Florville, 60, losing two grandchildren and his son in the attack. Witnesses described the harrowing scene of people fleeing in different directions as the explosions ripped through the area. The aftermath of the attack left families shattered, including Nanouse Mertelia, 37, who found her son grievously injured after the blast, ultimately losing him despite efforts to save his life.
The National Human Rights Defence Network in Haiti accused the police of deploying two explosive drones during a celebration in Cité Soleil, targeting suspected gang leader Albert Steevenson, also known as Djouma. The group condemned the lack of official response and accountability following the incident, raising concerns about the impact on public trust and government legitimacy. The attack resulted in casualties among civilians and suspected gang members, further deepening the ongoing crisis in the region.
The use of explosive drones in Haiti has stirred controversy and raised questions about civilian protection and accountability. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by the country in combating gang violence, prompting international calls for urgent action. Efforts to address the escalating violence include the deployment of foreign contractors and the mobilization of resources to support law enforcement and security operations. The United Nations, alongside other international entities, has underscored the critical need for immediate intervention to restore peace and stability in Haiti.
