Archive · 22 Jul 2026
US to formalize ties with Prince's security firm in Haiti
The U.S. is planning to work more closely with a private security company called Vectus Global, run by Erik Prince, to help fight gangs in Haiti.
This company has been using drones to target gangs since March 2025.
However, there are concerns about civilian deaths from these drone strikes.
Human Rights Watch reports that 43 adult civilians and 17 children have been killed.
The U.S. says these strikes are necessary to improve security, but critics worry about the lack of oversight and the impact on innocent people.
The U.N.-backed security force in Haiti is also working to increase its troops to better combat the gangs.
U.S. officials plan to formalize ties with Vectus Global, a private security firm run by Erik Prince, to combat gangs in Haiti.
Vectus Global has been operating in Haiti since March 2025, using drones to target armed gangs.
Human Rights Watch reports 1,243 people killed in drone strikes, including 43 civilian adults and 17 children.
U.S. officials argue that the strikes are necessary to combat gang violence and protect civilians in the long term.
The U.N.-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) aims to reach 5,500 troops by fall to help improve security in Haiti.
- Who
- U.S. security officials, Erik Prince, Human Rights Watch
- What
- Formalization of ties with Vectus Global for drone strikes against gangs in Haiti
- When
- Planned formalization in the near future
- Where
- Haiti, specifically Port-au-Prince and other regions
- Why
- To combat powerful armed gangs and improve security in Haiti
Human Rights Concerns
Security Necessity
Civilian Casualties
Human Rights Concerns
Human Rights Watch reports 43 civilian adults and 17 children killed in drone strikes, raising concerns over civilian safety.
Security Necessity
U.S. officials argue that the strikes are necessary to combat gang violence and protect civilians in the long term.
Oversight and Accountability
Human Rights Concerns
Critics highlight the lack of U.S. oversight over Vectus Global's operations, raising legal and ethical concerns.
Security Necessity
U.S. officials claim that necessary oversight structures are in place and that the strikes are becoming more discriminatory.
- Company
- Vectus Global
- Founder
- Erik Prince
- Operations Start Date
- March 2025
- Estimated Civilian Deaths
- 43 adults and 17 children
- Total Deaths from Drone Strikes
- 1,243
- GSF Troop Target
- 5,500 by fall
- U.N.-backed Mission Troop Target
- 2,500 (only reached 40%)