Haitian gang leader killed as security forces intensify operations
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — Haitian security forces have intensified their offensive against powerful armed gangs, killing a notorious gang leader amid a series of coordinated operations involving explosive drones.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé confirmed the death of Mathias Saintil, leader of the Boston gang operating in the Cité Soleil slum.
“One less gang leader,” the prime minister declared on social media, vowing that the fight to free Haiti from criminal gangs would continue.
Saintil’s gang is affiliated with the powerful Viv Ansanm coalition, which controls large sections of the capital and has expanded into other parts of the country.
While Haitian police said Saintil died from multiple gunshot wounds sustained during an operation, the National Human Rights Defence Network reported that he was critically injured in an explosive drone strike targeting his vehicle on Thursday night and died Friday.
The human rights organisation said at least seven explosive drones were deployed in coordinated operations across several gang-controlled communities.
It reported that five gang members were killed and approximately 15 others injured in the attack targeting Saintil, while additional casualties were reported during separate confrontations.
The operations come amid an expanded international security presence, including the deployment of 2,500 Salvadoran troops following the disappearance of four Salvadoran aviation technicians during a gang ambush last month.
Security forces have also targeted Wilson Joseph, leader of the notorious 400 Mawozo gang, whose home was bombed during a recent operation. Joseph reportedly survived and has since gone into hiding.
The human rights organisation also raised concerns about civilian casualties from the drone attacks, as authorities continue efforts to dismantle the gangs that control large sections of Haiti.
The intensified offensive is aimed at restoring security in the violence-plagued country, although questions remain about coordination among the various national and international forces involved.
