The Haitian National Police (PNH), in collaboration with the Task Force, has intensified its security operations in the Artibonite and West departments, inflicting significant losses on targeted armed groups. The information was confirmed by PNH spokesperson Lionel Lazarre during an appearance on Magik9 radio on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
In the lower Artibonite region, law enforcement forces directly struck the bastions of the “Kokorat San Ras” criminal gang, notably in Lacroix-Périsse and Joanis. Several bandits were killed and firearms were seized during these interventions. Questioned about the precise toll of the operations, Lionel Lazarre indicated that the exact number of casualties and the inventory of recovered equipment will be communicated during an upcoming press conference.
The spokesperson specified that operations are ongoing in the department and that the PNH intends to maintain its presence in all reclaimed areas to consolidate security. He also highlighted that law enforcement forces benefited from air support during these interventions, reflecting the scale and level of logistical preparation of these operations.
According to the PNH press release published on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, specialized units are conducting a continuous offensive directly against the “Kokorat San Ras” base in the localities of Lacroix-Périsse and Jeannot, which has reportedly considerably reduced the group’s capacity to disrupt the peace of local populations.
In the West department, security forces conducted operations in the Cul-de-Sac plain, targeting two rival gangs that were seeking to destabilize several localities, including Sarthe, Duvivier, Pier 6, and Terre Noire. The PNH indicates that it has regained control of several areas, recovered weapons, and neutralized multiple armed individuals.
The most symbolic advance, according to the spokesperson, took place in Santo, where law enforcement successfully penetrated the hideout of the “Chen Mechan” gang leader, known as “Las Vegas.” Several bandits who had established their base there were mortally wounded during the intervention. “The PNH is mobilized more than ever to dismantle this gang, which is disrupting peace in the plain,” Lionel Lazarre stated on Magik9.
“The Police will continue to conduct operations and interventions until order and peace are completely restored in these areas. The PNH calls on the population to collaborate by sharing reliable information that can contribute to the fight against terrorist gangs,” the statement concluded.
