Gang Suppression Force in Haiti attacks territory of gang leader 'Manno'

Haiti's Gang Suppression Force (GSF) initiated operations on Monday, targeting territory controlled by gang leader 'Manno' in a central Port-au-Prince neighborhood known as Village de Dieu. This marks the "beginning of its operations" in a country grappling with escalating violence.

The GSF, composed of troops from Chad and supported by the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the 'Task Force', an armed group led by American businessman Erik Prince, aims to degrade armed groups and re-establish conditions for Haitian authorities to ensure public safety. According to local media, security forces took control of 'Manno's' residence in Village de Dieu, an area where police had not operated for five years.

This offensive comes shortly after violent confrontations last Saturday in Verette, Artibonite department, where at least three police officers and a civilian accompanying them were killed during clashes with armed groups. These incidents underscore the perilous security situation in Haiti.

Data from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (Binuh) reveals the severe impact of gang violence. In the first three months of this year, at least 1,642 people were killed and 745 injured. Gangs were responsible for 27% of these casualties, while security force operations accounted for 69% of deaths and injuries, including many civilians. The ongoing violence exacerbates Haiti's humanitarian crisis, with approximately 52% of the population facing food insecurity and 1.4 million people displaced last year.

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It is the beginning of a gradual effort to degrade armed groups and re-establish the conditions that will allow Haitian authorities to guarantee public security.