Can't read it? Listen now!
Haiti’s National Police (PNH) conducted a large-scale operation in the Torcel neighborhood from October 12 to 14, targeting the notorious “Kraze Baryè” gang led by Vitelhomme Innocent. The operation, part of ongoing efforts to combat gang violence in the country, resulted in the deaths of 20 gang members and the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and sensitive equipment, according to a police statement.
The PNH, supported by specialized units, has intensified its crackdown on criminal networks, particularly in areas controlled by gangs. The “Kraze Baryè” gang has been linked to a range of violent activities, contributing to the insecurity in Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions.
During the operation, the police advanced into key areas used by gang members, recovering weapons, mobile phones, and other critical items. However, the gang managed to burn an armored vehicle after it broke down during the raid, although no police casualties were reported.
The operation follows rising violence across the country, with gang control expanding over significant portions of Haiti, particularly in the capital. The United Nations has estimated that about 80% of Port-au-Prince is under gang control, heightening concerns about civilian safety and national stability.
These latest efforts come as Haiti continues to grapple with deepening insecurity, compounded by the activities of other criminal groups such as the “Gran Grif” gang, which recently carried out a massacre in Pont-Sondé, killing over 70 civilians. In response, the Kenya-led international security support mission, authorized by the UN, has pledged to assist Haiti in restoring order.
Colonel Kevron Henry, deputy force commander of the international mission, emphasized that joint operations with Haitian police would continue to target gangs, with a focus on civilian protection. Henry urged gang leaders, including Vitelhomme Innocent, to cease their attacks and surrender, stressing that the mission would not stop until all gang activity was neutralized.
