Jimmy Chérizier, the leader of Haiti’s “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition, has issued a stark warning to residents, urging them to remain indoors as his group prepares to confront law enforcement in the streets of Port-au-Prince.
Chérizier—better known as “Barbecue”—released a video message advising the public to avoid all nonessential movement beginning Monday, November 17, 2025. His announcement coincides with the Haitian National Police (PNH) suspending all officer leave and vacations until further notice.
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“This message is addressed to the Haitian people in general,” Chérizier declared. “Starting Monday… unless absolutely necessary, do not go out. All drivers’ unions, stay home. All public transport drivers, stay home. We announce this to inform the public about what will happen, to prevent them from becoming victims. Leave the streets to ‘Viv Ansanm’ and the police so we can confront them.”
He added a grim warning: “If you ignore this and go out, we are not responsible for what might happen to you. The time has come, Haitian people, to unite to liberate this country.”
His threats come amid intensified security operations against Haiti’s armed criminal networks. Earlier this month, the PNH, the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD’H), and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) launched a major joint operation targeting the “400 Mawozo” gang, which authorities say has held the communes of Tabarre and Croix-des-Bouquets hostage.
On November 14, 2025, specialized units from the GSF, PNH, and FAD’H executed a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation against 400 Mawozo leadership, leading to the seizure of a cache of weapons and ammunition and a significant expansion of police presence in formerly gang-controlled areas.
According to preliminary findings shared by PNH spokesperson Inspector Garry Desrosiers, at least seven gang members were killed and several others wounded. Among the seized weapons was a .50 caliber Barrett rifle—an American-made, high-precision sniper weapon with an effective range of 2,800 meters and the ability to penetrate steel plating up to two centimeters thick.
Desrosiers reported no casualties among security forces.
