By Zoila Palma: Human Rights Watch (HRW) says explosive drone strikes carried out by Haitian security forces targeting armed gangs have killed more than 1,200 people, including dozens of civilians, since last year.
In a report released Tuesday, the rights group said at least 43 adult civilians and 17 children were among those killed as authorities intensified anti-gang operations in recent months.
According to HRW, Haitian security forces began using quadcopter drones strapped with explosives in operations across densely populated areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince, beginning last March.
The operations were conducted with support from Vectus Global, a private U.S. military firm led by Erik Prince.
HRW said it documented the deaths of 1,243 people and injuries to 738 others between last March and January 21 this year.
HRW’s Americas director Juanita Goebertus said the organization had found evidence of unlawful use of lethal force during the operations.
She called on Haiti’s international partners to halt cooperation with the country’s security forces until stronger safeguards are put in place to protect civilians.
The rights group warned that Haitian authorities must urgently rein in security forces and private contractors to prevent further civilian deaths.
The post International News: Human Rights Watch raises alarm over deadly drone strikes in Haiti appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Human Rights Watch (HRW) says explosive drone strikes carried out by Haitian security forces targeting armed gangs have killed more than 1,200 people, including dozens of civilians, since last year. In a report released Tuesday, the rights group said at least 43 adult civilians and 17 children were among those killed as
The post International News: Human Rights Watch raises alarm over deadly drone strikes in Haiti appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.