Haiti: Gangs operate like guerrillas!
Boukan News, 02/25/2025 – Haitian security forces, including the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Haitian Armed Forces (FADH), and the Multinational Force (MMS), are encountering significant tactical challenges on the ground. These units are trained and equipped for conventional warfare operations but are currently confronted with well-armed gang groups employing classic urban guerrilla techniques. Various logistical issues, internal divisions, lack of political will, and strategic vision further complicate the efforts of public forces to neutralize these gangs.
In recent days, the gangs have been highly motivated to take total control of the Haitian capital. The armed bands have attacked several localities simultaneously while committing massacres. We can cite: Tabarre, Delmas, Kenscoff, Canapé-vert, Carrefour-Feuilles, Leogane… The aim of this practice of terror is to psychologically dissuade the population from resisting any more.
This strategy has proven to be effective for the gangs. The police are compelled to allocate their already demoralized and under-equipped forces across multiple locations simultaneously, thereby reducing the effectiveness of their ground deployments. It appears that this tactic is influenced by Che Guevara’s strategies.
A police source stated that a group of officers deployed in the capital area faced significant isolation, making it challenging to supply them with food. As a result, these officers were unable to remain in this high-risk area for extended periods, despite its importance in slowing the progress of armed individuals from the Izo gang.
Gangs reportedly control about 90% of Port-au-Prince and surrounding communities. You don’t need to be a security expert to understand that gangs have a high chance of success. As a result, they were already forcing the government to occupy premises that were unsuitable for the functioning of the state. CPT and government officials travel in armored cars and are surrounded by excessive numbers of police officers. Their close family members no longer live in Haiti, but abroad. They fear for their personal safety, especially after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in his residence on July 7, 2021.
The Haitian public forces recently acquired combat helicopters to address gang-related issues. In an ironic turn of events, a gang leader displayed ammunition capable of penetrating these helicopters at low altitude. Awkwardly, it appears that the gangs are obtaining equipment to counter the new PNH helicopters.
Haiti’s future is bleak!
Boukan News
