Children killed in Haiti slum drone attack

Explosive drones targeted a suspected gang leader in Haiti's capital, killing at least eight children and injuring six others in a slum in Cité Soleil. Relatives and activists blamed the police for the attack, which occurred on Saturday night. The area is controlled by Viv Ansanm, a powerful gang coalition designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.

One of the coalition's leaders, Jimmy Chérizier, also known as Barbecue, promised retaliation for the attacks, which resulted in at least 13 deaths according to residents. Families mourned the loss of their loved ones, with one mother, Claudia Bobrun, showing a video of her 8-year-old daughter lying in a pool of blood.

Witnesses described the chaos following the explosions, with Michelin Florville losing two grandchildren and his son in the attack. Another resident, Nanouse Mertelia, recounted finding her son severely injured after the blast, ultimately leading to his death despite efforts to save him.

Haiti's National Human Rights Defense Network accused the police of launching exploding drones in Cité Soleil during a celebration for suspected gang leader Albert Steevenson's birthday. The incident has raised concerns about accountability, with questions about who will take responsibility for the attack and its impact on public trust in government institutions.

The use of explosive drones in Haiti is not new, with previous incidents resulting in civilian casualties. The involvement of foreign contractors, including a security firm led by former U.S. Navy Seal Erik Prince, has added complexity to the security situation in the country. Calls for international support to address gang violence and restore security have been made by U.N. officials and the U.S. Department of State.