US extradites 18 suspects in 2021 killing of Haitian president

Eighteen individuals accused of participating in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been extradited to Florida, according to US officials. Moise, 53, was killed at his private residence on July 7, 2021 by a group of about 20 military-trained Colombian mercenaries. The FBI and federal prosecutors emphasized their commitment to bringing all participants to justice in a multi-location, international operation.

Five years after Moise's death, 30 suspects have been indicted, with four men already convicted in a Miami federal court for conspiracy to kill or kidnap the president, conspiracy to provide material support, and violating the US Neutrality Act. They face potential life sentences. Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, is now under control of gangs who control around 80 percent of the city, leading to high levels of violent crimes including kidnappings for ransom, armed robbery, and carjackings.

The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, tasked with helping local police combat these gangs, is currently short of its planned capacity of 5,500 uniformed personnel and 50 civilian staff, with fewer than 1,000 staff based in various countries as of July.