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  • FLASH: The Inspector General of the PNH, his wife and his 6-year-old daughter kidnapped

    FLASH: The Inspector General of the PNH, his wife and his 6-year-old daughter kidnapped

    In a brazen act of violence that has shaken Haiti’s already unstable security landscape, a top Haitian law enforcement and defense official was abducted alongside his family last week in a zone officially marked as high-security, marking the most high-profile kidnapping of a senior government figure in the country in years.

    On June 11, 2026, Inspector General James Boyard of the Haitian National Police (PNH) — who also serves as Chief of Staff to Haiti’s Minister of Defense and is a widely respected senior security expert — was intercepted by a heavily armed gang contingent on the highway connecting the Port-au-Prince neighborhoods of Bourdon and Lalue. The kidnappers did not stop at seizing Boyard; they also took his wife and 6-year-old daughter, who holds United States citizenship, according to confirmation from the Associated Press.

    Haitian police investigative sources have linked the abduction to the Ti Bwa gang, a violent faction led by Christ-Roi Chéry, who operates under the alias “Chrisla”. Shortly after the kidnapping, the perpetrators issued a ransom demand for the safe return of the three hostages, though the exact sum requested has not been disclosed to the public. To date, Haiti’s Ministry of Defense has declined to issue any public statement or share details of ongoing response operations, a standard practice in high-stakes kidnapping cases designed to protect hostage lives and prevent disruption to sensitive negotiation or rescue efforts.

    Security analysts warn the abduction exposes alarming weaknesses in Haiti’s security framework and the growing boldness of armed gangs that control large swathes of the country. “A person of this rank usually receives significant police protection,” noted Diego Da Rin, an Haiti-focused analyst with the International Crisis Group. In his assessment, the successful kidnapping in a designated high-security zone points to extensive pre-planning and almost certainly required inside complicity from someone within Boyard’s own security detail.

    Da Rin added that gangs deliberately target two groups in high-value kidnappings: public officials and individuals with dual nationality, a strategy that serves two key goals. First, it allows gangs to demand far larger ransom payments. Second, it creates pressure on government authorities to hold off on offensive operations against gang-held territories where hostages are commonly held, giving the factions more breathing room to consolidate power.

    In recent weeks, Haitian security forces launched a major raid on Village de Dieu, a strategic territory controlled by the 5 Segond gang led by Johnson André — widely known as “Izo,” one of the most powerful and notorious gang leaders in Haiti. Da Rin confirmed that gangs have a history of moving high-profile kidnapping victims to hideouts within Village de Dieu, raising questions about whether Boyard and his family are being held there.

    This abduction comes amid a surging wave of kidnappings and gang violence that has crippled daily life across Haiti. In just three months between December 2025 and February 2026, at least 267 people were kidnapped across the country, according to recent United Nations data, with the majority of victims being adult men. Recent high-profile targets have included Haitian investigative journalists and foreign missionaries, demonstrating that gangs do not limit their attacks to private citizens and have increasingly targeted individuals connected to the Haitian government and international community.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Brazilië en Marokko houden balans in een spektakel

    Derde helft WK 2026: Brazilië en Marokko houden balans in een spektakel

    One of the most anticipated Group C encounters of the international tournament delivered every bit of the excitement fans predicted, as Brazil and Morocco battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw on Saturday in front of a capacity crowd at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. From the opening whistle, both sides showcased their attacking quality, creating a high-tempo contest full of clear chances and dramatic moments that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

    Morocco got off to a blistering start, pressing Brazil deep in their own half and capitalizing on early gaps in the South American side’s defense. In the 21st minute, a perfectly weighted through ball split Brazil’s backline, putting playmaker Ismael Saibari one-on-one with Brazil’s star goalkeeper Alisson. Saibari kept his composure under pressure, coolly slotting the ball past the Liverpool shot-stopper to put the Atlas Lions up 1-0.

    Brazil nearly responded just seven minutes earlier, after a brilliant attacking run from Vinicius Jr. set up striker Igor Thiago for a golden opportunity from close range. But Thiago could not convert, letting a golden opening slip to keep Morocco’s lead intact. The five-time World Cup champions did not have to wait long for an equalizer, however. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Jr. took matters into his own hands: after cutting inside from the left wing, he unleashed a stunning curling effort that flew into the top right corner of the net, leaving Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with no chance to save the strike.

    The first half ended with an open, end-to-end style of play, with both sides creating additional opportunities to take the lead. Lucas Paqueta came closest to adding a second for Brazil just before halftime, when he met a low cross from Vinicius Jr. that looked destined for the back of the net, only for Bounou to pull off a spectacular reflex save to keep the score level at 1-1.

    The intensity did not let up after the halftime break, with both sides pushing for a decisive winning goal. In the 53rd minute, Igor Thiago got a second look at goal, but Bounou was again equal to the effort, turning the shot away to maintain the deadlock. Just 15 minutes later, Raphinha missed a golden chance of his own, when a low cross from Bruno Guimaraes evaded his outstretched boot right in front of the six-yard box. Shortly after that missed opportunity, Brazilian midfielder Fabinho was forced off the pitch for medical treatment after picking up a knock, which allowed Morocco to make a series of substitutions and adjust their tactical approach for the final stretch.

    With 10 minutes left in regulation, Raphinha tried his luck from outside the penalty area, but Bounou once again came up with a stop for Morocco. Moments earlier, Moroccan defender Diop made a rare mistake in possession that put Brazil in on goal, but Bounou reacted quickly to snuff out the danger and keep his side level.

    In the closing minutes, Brazil threw everything forward, earning a series of corner kicks that put the Moroccan defense under relentless pressure. The Atlas Lions held firm through the onslaught, however, and the 10 minutes of stoppage time looked set to end with the score unchanged until Morocco carved out a late golden chance in the final seconds of added time. It was Alisson’s turn to step up, pulling off two outstanding back-to-back saves to deny Morocco the winning goal and secure a share of the points for Brazil.

    The 1-1 draw highlights the competitive depth of Group C, with both sides demonstrating impressive grit, quality, and competitive spirit that promises an exciting race to advance from the group stage.

  • UPDATE: 15-Year-Old Deshawn James Has Been Located

    UPDATE: 15-Year-Old Deshawn James Has Been Located

    A days-long search for missing 15-year-old Deshawn James has concluded on a hopeful note, after the teenager was confirmed to be found safe and unharmed. The successful outcome brings relief to both Deshawn’s family and the community that rallied to support the search effort. Just days prior, local law enforcement and Deshawn’s relatives issued a public call for assistance, after the teen was reported missing. At the time of the initial appeal, authorities did not disclose key details including the date and location of Deshawn’s last sighting, but urged community members to come forward with any information that could help locate him. Family members pushed for widespread sharing of the missing person notice, asking the public to remain vigilant as search operations got underway, and provided two dedicated contact numbers — 724-4415 and 781-1054 — for tips. Following the announcement that Deshawn had been found, family members moved quickly to confirm the good news and express their thanks. Relatives extended gratitude to every person who shared the missing person alert, reached out to the family with updates, and contributed time and effort to the search. As of the latest update, no additional details surrounding Deshawn’s disappearance or his recovery have been released to the public.

  • BOG intensiveert bestrijding chikungunya met bespuitingen in Paramaribo en Wanica

    BOG intensiveert bestrijding chikungunya met bespuitingen in Paramaribo en Wanica

    Public health authorities in Suriname are ramping up their response to chikungunya next week, with a planned mosquito spraying operation across multiple residential districts in Paramaribo and Wanica. The country’s Bureau for Public Health (Bureau voor Openbare Gezondheidszorg, BOG) announced that its specialized “Dengue Truck” will be deployed from Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19, targeting the districts of Welgelegen, Flora, and Tammenga.

    This large-scale spraying initiative forms part of BOG’s broader strategy to slow the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya, dengue, and other related infections. All spraying operations will be conducted daily between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, aligned with peak mosquito activity periods in the region.

    The operation follows a phased schedule: crews will treat selected neighborhoods within Welgelegen on June 15, 16, and 17. On June 17, treatment will also expand to zones within the Flora district, which will continue to receive coverage on June 18 and 19. On the final day of the operation, June 19, crews will additionally treat a section of the Tammenga district.

    BOG has issued clear precautionary guidance for residents living in the affected zones to minimize unnecessary exposure to the spray. Key recommendations include covering all stored food and drinking water, securing outdoor enclosures for pet birds, and replacing all pet food and drinking water after spraying is completed. The agency also advises that infants and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain in fully enclosed indoor spaces for the duration of daily spraying activities.

    Officials noted that the entire operation is subject to change based on weather conditions. Heavy rainfall will halt spraying activities, as precipitation renders insecticide less effective against mosquito populations. In addition to the scheduled public spraying, BOG is urging all local residents to take proactive steps to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on and around their own properties. The agency emphasizes that regularly draining standing water collections or covering all still water containers remains one of the most effective long-term measures to prevent the spread of chikungunya, dengue, and other mosquito-borne illnesses across the country.

  • Hopeful Hearts Foundation Hosts Successful Food and Clothing Drive

    Hopeful Hearts Foundation Hosts Successful Food and Clothing Drive

    A collaborative community assistance initiative led by the Hopeful Hearts Foundation in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross has concluded with resounding success, bringing critical relief to hundreds of struggling families across the twin-island nation.

    The food and clothing drive united a diverse cross-section of local society, drawing generous contributions of non-perishable food, gently used clothing, and other life essentials from individual residents, local commercial enterprises, non-profit groups, and community leaders. Every donation went directly to support community members facing financial hardship, with hundreds of households walking away with the supplies they desperately needed. The outcome of the effort offers a powerful reminder of how collective action and shared compassion can address pressing local needs.

    Organizers have publicly highlighted the key contributions of major supporters that made the drive’s success possible, including national retail chain Chase, regional supplier Anjo Wholesale, the youth-led service organization Rotaract Club of Antigua, and Senator Lamin Newton, alongside dozens of individual donors who gave clothing and essential goods. Without their timely, generous support, organizers note, the initiative would not have been able to reach as many families in need as it ultimately did.

    After all planned distributions were completed, all leftover supplies were transferred to the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross to support the organization’s ongoing work with vulnerable populations across the country. A portion of the remaining donations has also been set aside for future community outreach programs organized by the Hopeful Hearts Foundation, ensuring the generosity of initial donors will continue to create impact long after the conclusion of this drive.

    Kristine Louisa, a representative of the Hopeful Hearts Foundation, shared her perspective on the initiative’s success: “We are deeply grateful to every donor, every volunteer, and every supporter who turned this drive from a plan into tangible help for hundreds of families. Together, we keep proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can add up to life-changing difference for people who need it most.”

    Looking ahead, the Hopeful Hearts Foundation reaffirmed its long-term commitment to serving communities across Antigua and Barbuda. The organization plans to continue building sustainable community programs, expanding local outreach, and forging collaborative partnerships that create meaningful, lasting improvement for vulnerable populations across the islands.

  • 2026 World Cup : Haiti suffers a narrow defeat against Scotland [0-1] but impresses (video)

    2026 World Cup : Haiti suffers a narrow defeat against Scotland [0-1] but impresses (video)

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a standout opening match for underdog Haiti on June 13, as the Caribbean side fell 1-0 to Scotland but earned widespread praise for a fearless, disciplined performance at Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium, near Boston, Massachusetts. Played before a near-capacity crowd of 64,146 spectators, the Group C clash marked a historic milestone for Haiti’s national men’s team, nicknamed the Grenadiers, who defied pre-match ranking gaps to push Scotland to the final whistle.

    Managed by Sébastien Migné, Haiti lined up in a well-drilled 4-4-2 formation with a starting 11 featuring players plying their trade across top leagues in Europe, North America, and South America: goalkeeper Johnny Placide (SC Bastia, France), defenders Ricardo Adé (LDU Quito, Ecuador), Carlens Arcus (Angers SCO, France), Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs, USA), Martin Expérience (AS Nancy-Lorraine, France), midfielder Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia Union, USA), playmaker Jeanricner Bellegarde (Wolverhampton, UK), winger Louicius Deedson (FC Dallas, USA), forward Frantzdy Pierrot (Çaykur Rizespor, Turkey), midfielder Ruben Providence (Almere City FC, Netherlands), and striker Wilson Isidor (Sunderland AFC, England). Migné made three second-half substitutions to reinvigorate his side: Josué Casimir replaced Deedson in the 61st minute, Lenny Joseph took Isidor’s place in the 75th minute, and Yassin Fortuné came on for Providence in the 85th minute.

    Ranked 83rd in the FIFA global rankings compared to Scotland’s 40th spot, Haiti weathered an early Scottish storm to grow into the game. Scotland got off to a fast start, coming close to breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute when Scott McTominay’s effort rattled the woodwork behind Placide. Eleven minutes later, after Placide made an initial reflex save to deny Ché Adams, the loose ball fell to John McGinn just outside the 18-yard box. McGinn’s shot took two deflections off Haitian defenders before looping over the goalkeeper to put Scotland ahead 1-0, a scoreline that would hold until full time.

    After halftime, Haiti shifted into a higher gear and began to threaten Scotland’s goal consistently, proving sharp and dangerous on counter-attacks. Midway through the second half, Ruben Providence cut down the left wing and fired a powerful strike that Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn could only parry away. A chaotic scramble in the six-yard box followed, but Scotland’s backline managed to clear the danger before a Haitian attacker could poke home the equalizer. Later, Scotland looked to extend their lead through young winger Ben Doak, but Martin Expérience made a game-saving tackle to snuff out the chance.

    In the closing 10 minutes, Haiti threw all their players forward in search of the equalizer that would earn their first-ever World Cup point. First, Wilson Isidor came within inches of connecting with a dangerous cross from Providence, before striker Frantzdy Pierrot’s powerful header grazed the outside of the Scottish post. Scotland’s players spent the final minutes clinging to their narrow lead, visibly on edge as Haiti’s persistent pressure nearly produced a late equalizer. When the final whistle blew, Scotland held on for three points, but the story of the match was Haiti’s impressive performance.

    While the result leaves Haiti at the bottom of Group C with zero points after one match, following Scotland’s three points, and a 1-1 draw between Morocco and Brazil that leaves both with one point, the performance has given Haitian fans plenty of optimism ahead of their remaining group stage fixtures. Haiti will face five-time world champions and pre-tournament group favorites Brazil on June 19 at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, before taking on 2022 World Cup semi-finalists and the highest-ranked African side Morocco on June 24 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Verrassend gelijkspel in extremis, Qatar redt punt tegen Zwitserland

    Derde helft WK 2026: Verrassend gelijkspel in extremis, Qatar redt punt tegen Zwitserland

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B clash at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium delivered a stunning late twist on June 13, as Qatar captain Boualem Khoukhi snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw in the fourth minute of stoppage time against a dominant Switzerland side.

    Switzerland controlled the contest from the opening whistle, and they drew first blood in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo converted the first penalty kick awarded at the entire 2026 World Cup tournament. The spot-kick also marked the first World Cup penalty that Switzerland has ever converted in their tournament history, with Embolo coolly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner after goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada committed to his save direction, putting the European side up 1-0 early.

    Switzerland piled on consistent pressure through the first half, creating a string of clear goalscoring opportunities. It was not until the 43rd minute that Qatar carved out their first major chance of the game: Edmilson Jr. fired a clean effort on target, but Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel pulled off a spectacular save with his legs to keep his side’s lead intact. Just before halftime, Switzerland had a chance to double their advantage through Dan Ndoye, who latched onto a pinpoint pass from Michel Aebischer and unleashed a powerful strike, only to be denied by a brilliant reflex save from Abunada.

    A chaotic moment unfolded in first-half stoppage time, when Abunarda came off his line to claim a cross and was bundled into by Embolo, colliding with one of his own defenders and leaving the Qatar goal empty. A last-ditch clearance off the goalline by a Qatar defender prevented Switzerland from extending their lead, keeping the scoreline at 1-0 going into the break. At halftime, Switzerland held a commanding 14-3 advantage in total shots, with seven efforts on target, but Qatar’s resolute defense and two big first-half chances kept the tie within reach.

    The second half opened with another dangerous opportunity for Switzerland, as Granit Xhaka curled a 16-yard free kick toward the top corner in the 49th minute, only for Abunada to tip the effort around the post with a stunning finger-tip save. Switzerland maintained control of possession and territory for most of the second half, while Qatar struggled to break free from the European side’s high press. Both managers made multiple substitutions: Switzerland pushed for a second match-clinching goal, while Qatar searched for any opening to get back into the contest. The stadium itself remained notably underfilled through the second half, and the pace of the match dipped slightly as the clock ticked down. Xhaka came close to doubling Switzerland’s lead again in the 67th minute with a curled free kick that drifted just wide of the far post.

    Gradually, Qatar grew into the game as Switzerland began to tire, building more attacking momentum and growing in confidence going forward. In the 90th minute, substitute Ahmed Alaa had a late opening to level the score, but his shot drifted wide of the post, and Kobel collected the ball comfortably. At that point, a Swiss victory appeared all but guaranteed.

    But Qatar never gave up. In the dying seconds of the match, a perfectly delivered cross into the penalty area found Khoukhi unmarked at the far post, and the Qatar captain powered a firm header past Kobel, nestling the ball just inside the post to draw the game level at 1-1 in the 94th minute.

    The dramatic equalizer sent the travelling Qatari fanbase into absolute delirium, while the Swiss side were left stunned and heartbroken after dominating 94 minutes of the contest. The result leaves Group B finely balanced ahead of the final round of group matches, with Qatar picking up a valuable point thanks to their relentless resilience and Khoukhi’s historic late intervention.

  • Government to Rebuild Keeling Point Pier

    Government to Rebuild Keeling Point Pier

    Antigua and Barbuda is advancing a critical infrastructure upgrade for one of its most important fishing hubs, with plans to completely replace the decades-old deteriorating pier at Keeling Point with a modern reinforced concrete structure. The project announcement came shortly after a site inspection led by Minister of State Randy Baltimore and Michael Joseph, Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West. During the visit, the two elected officials held talks with Conrad Simon, Coordinator of the country’s Fisheries Division, as well as representatives from the local fishing community to align on project goals and community needs.

    Government technical experts have confirmed that incremental repairs carried out on the existing pier over the past several years have failed to resolve ongoing structural issues, and are no longer adequate to support the daily operations of local fishermen. After assessing multiple possible solutions, officials concluded that full reconstruction represents the most cost-effective and durable long-term strategy for the site.

    The planned overhaul includes far more than a simple touch-up: all existing wooden support piles will be swapped out for sturdy concrete piles, and the pier will get a new reinforced concrete deck engineered to resist the corrosive effects of saltwater and withstand extreme tropical weather events common to the region. In a departure from the current layout, the new pier will adopt a T-shaped design instead of the existing L-shaped configuration, a change that will create additional working space for offloading catches and significantly improve vessel access for fishing boats of varying sizes.

    Beyond infrastructure plans, the site visit also addressed urgent public safety concerns that emerged after a recent shark attack that injured a local fisherman. Minister Baltimore shared an update on the victim’s condition, confirming that the fisherman is currently recovering from his injuries. He also issued a reminder for all mariners and people using the coastal area to maintain heightened awareness of shark activity, noting that government agencies are continuing to monitor increased reports of shark sightings in the region.

    Simon, the Fisheries Division coordinator, expressed strong support for the planned redevelopment, noting that the project is part of a wider national push to upgrade critical fisheries infrastructure across the country and lift working conditions for thousands of people who depend on the fishing industry for their livelihoods.

  • Is Peace Between the U.S. and Iran Finally Close?

    Is Peace Between the U.S. and Iran Finally Close?

    June 13, 2026 — Diplomatic efforts to end months of open conflict between the United States and Iran have entered their final stretch, with multiple key players confirming a landmark peace agreement is within reach, even as fresh military escalation continues to roil the broader Middle East.

    On Saturday, the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes targeting areas across southern Lebanon, one day after issuing evacuation orders for approximately 20 local population centers. The new strike comes amid ongoing low-level violence that has persisted even as ceasefire and peace talks between Washington and Tehran gain momentum.

    Pakistan, which has served as the neutral mediator for the indirect US-Iran negotiations, has offered the most optimistic timeline for the deal. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to the social platform X Saturday to announce that an agreement is closer to completion than at any previous point in the talks, with finalization expected to occur within the next 24 hours. Iran’s Foreign Ministry struck a more cautious note, however, stating that the formal signing process could stretch into the coming days rather than being completed within hours.

    US President Donald Trump has echoed Sharif’s optimistic tone, asserting that the agreement will be signed imminently. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed that “The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL.”

    The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime chokepoint that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s daily oil and natural gas shipments, has been closed to commercial international traffic since the outbreak of war earlier this year. The closure has triggered sustained price hikes for fuel and energy across global markets, creating widespread economic pressure for nations around the world.

    The core terms of the proposed deal, as outlined by Trump, would permanently block Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon. “The new agreement would ensure Iran does not ‘purchase, develop, or in any other form procure’ a nuclear weapon,” Trump wrote, adding “They no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor will they have one.” The president also included a stark warning for Tehran, noting that if the agreement fails to hold, the US retains what he called the “ultimate alternative,” which he expressed hope would never need to be deployed.

    As of Saturday evening, Iran has not issued a direct public response to Trump’s remarks. Over the past week, the two sides have released conflicting accounts of the deal’s final terms, with Trump dismissing details of the agreement published by Iranian state media as completely inaccurate.

    The current conflict between the US, Iran and their regional allies began on February 28, when joint US-Israeli military strikes targeted Iranian infrastructure across the Middle East. A formal ceasefire was reached between the parties in April, but intermittent exchanges of fire have continued across regional front lines, and the Strait of Hormuz has remained closed, leaving global energy markets in disruption for nearly four months.

  • Gunmen abduct senior security official in Haiti’s capital

    Gunmen abduct senior security official in Haiti’s capital

    Haiti’s already fragile security landscape has been jolted by the high-profile abduction of one of the country’s top law enforcement and defense officials, multiple sources confirm. James Boyard, who holds three critical roles — cabinet director for Haiti’s Ministry of Defense, inspector general of the Haitian National Police, and a leading security analyst — was taken captive by armed assailants this week, an anonymous source with direct knowledge of the incident told the Associated Press Saturday.

    The kidnapping marks the most high-ranking official abduction in the gang-plagued Caribbean nation in recent memory. Local reporting indicates Boyard was seized on Thursday in Bourdon, a neighborhood in the capital Port-au-Prince long regarded as one of the few relatively secure areas in the city. Currently, an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince falls under the control of Viv Ansanm, a powerful unified gang coalition that the United States formally designated as a foreign terrorist organization in May 2025.

    A trained political scientist, Boyard has been at the center of two of Haiti’s most critical national security efforts: leading initiatives to rebuild the country’s national armed forces and conducting institutional assessments of the Haitian National Police to guide long-overdue reform. As of Saturday, no group had claimed responsibility for the abduction, and there was no public confirmation of whether the kidnappers have demanded a ransom payment.

    Diego Da Rin, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, pointed out that a senior official of Boyard’s standing would typically be assigned a significant personal security detail. This, he argued, suggests the kidnapping was carefully planned and likely involved insider collaboration from someone within Boyard’s own security team.

    Da Rin added that kidnappings are increasingly encroaching on the pockets of Port-au-Prince that were once considered safe havens from gang activity. He detailed common tactics used by assailants, including gang members disguising themselves in police uniforms to stop drivers under the guise of official law enforcement operations.

    The analyst noted that gangs have increasingly shifted their targeting strategy in recent months, focusing on public officials and individuals with dual nationality. This shift, he explained, serves two key gang objectives: securing larger ransom payments to fund their operations, and applying political pressure to discourage Haitian police from launching offensive operations against gang-controlled territories where kidnapping victims are often held.

    In recent weeks, Haitian security forces have launched a crackdown on Village de Dieu, a stronghold controlled by the 5 Segond gang led by Johnson Andre — widely known by his alias “Izo,” one of the most powerful gang leaders in the country. Da Rin confirmed that gangs have recently been transferring many kidnapping victims to this contested territory.

    High-profile abductions in Haiti have previously targeted foreign missionaries and local Haitian journalists. Latest UN data on kidnapping trends in the country shows that 267 abductions were reported between December 2025 and February 2026, the majority of which involved male victims. For the full year of 2025, 1,268 kidnappings were recorded, representing a nearly 40% drop from the 2,058 cases reported in 2024.