Delmas Raid Strikes Gangs, Leaders Slip Away

This weekend, the commune of Delmas witnessed a large-scale police operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks amid the growing insecurity in Port-au-Prince. While several armed individuals, allegedly linked to gang activities, were neutralized, key figures, including the notorious gang leader known as “Barbecue,” reportedly managed to evade capture.

The operation, led by specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH), focused on areas notorious for illegal activities, such as arms trafficking and kidnappings. Witnesses described a significant deployment of heavily armed officers, supported by armored vehicles, as they moved into high-risk neighborhoods.

Initial reports indicate that several suspected gang members were killed during the raid. However, the exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed. Police sources also mentioned the seizure of firearms, though details about the weapons remain undisclosed.

Despite these efforts, some prominent gang leaders, including “Barbecue,” the head of the G9 coalition, successfully avoided capture. A police official, speaking anonymously, revealed that a manhunt is underway to track down the fugitives.

This operation underscores both the progress and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime. While the raid dealt a blow to certain networks, the escape of key leaders highlights the complex and persistent nature of insecurity in the Haitian capital.