By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
HRW: Over 1,200 Killed in Haiti Drone Strikes Involving Private U.S. Military Firm
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — A bombshell report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Tuesday has revealed a staggering death toll linked to explosive drone strikes conducted by Haitian security forces.
- The Casualties: Between March 2025 and January 21, 2026, drone operations killed 1,243 people. This includes 60 confirmed civilians (43 adults and 17 children). An additional 738 people were injured.
- The “Vectus” Connection: The report highlights that these operations are supported by Vectus Global, a private U.S. military company led by Blackwater founder Erik Prince. The use of “kamikaze” drones in densely populated neighborhoods of the capital has ramped up significantly, doubling in frequency between November and January.
- Security Crisis: Despite the aerial offensive and support from the U.N. and Kenya, armed gangs continue to expand their territory. To date, security forces have failed to capture a single major gang leader, while the nation remains crippled by mass displacement and economic collapse.
CARICOM Calls for Regional Surveillance to Combat Rare Diseases
WASHINGTON D.C. — Representing the CARICOM grouping at the Organization of American States (OAS), St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Jacinth Henry Martin made a formal plea for a robust regional surveillance system to address the burden of rare diseases.
- Small State Vulnerability: Speaking on “Rare Disease Day,” Ambassador Martin noted that while individual diseases affect small numbers, the cumulative impact on families and healthcare systems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is immense.
- Early Detection: The diplomat admitted that the Caribbean currently struggles with early diagnosis but is working with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and regional universities to strengthen medical capacity and health equity.
International News: Vietnam Urges “Work From Home” as Fuel Prices Soar
HANOI, VIETNAM — Vietnam has become one of the first major economies to officially call for a return to remote work to mitigate a severe energy crisis triggered by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
- Skyrocketing Costs: Since late February, gasoline prices in Vietnam have jumped 32%, while diesel and kerosene have skyrocketed by 56% and 80%, respectively.
- Middle East Reliance: Heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy imports, the Vietnamese government is now urging local businesses to encourage work-from-home options to drastically reduce fuel consumption in the transportation sector.
- Supply Chain Impact: Supply disruptions continue to ripple globally as tankers avoid the Persian Gulf due to ongoing military hostilities.
