Haitian Gang Leader ‘Barbecue’ Escapes Police Operation in Port-au-Prince

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, a feared gang leader and head of the G9 coalition, evaded capture during a police operation in the Delmas neighborhood of Haiti’s capital. The operation, led by the Haitian National Police, aimed to dismantle barricades and regain control of gang-occupied territories.

The raid resulted in the deaths of several gang members and the seizure of firearms. Police also cleared roadblocks in parts of Delmas, allowing limited movement in areas previously paralyzed by gang violence. Despite these efforts, Chérizier managed to escape. Authorities believe he continues to move across the city, rallying support for his coalition, which seeks to overthrow the government .

The operation comes as Haiti faces a severe security crisis, with gangs controlling an estimated 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince. The violence has paralyzed vital infrastructure, including the capital’s main port, which has been shuttered since earlier this year due to gang activity. Efforts to stabilize the country include a transitional governing body supported by international organizations such as the UN and CARICOM. However, public confidence in these measures remains low, given Haiti’s long history of foreign intervention and political instability .

The police vowed to continue their efforts to reclaim territories and restore order, though the scale of the challenge highlights the deep entrenchment of gang influence and the limited resources of the Haitian state .