HAITI — Erik Prince has moved beyond planning and into early operational activity in Haiti, following the previously reported agreement to deploy nearly 200 contractors to support anti-gang effort
Initial reports in 2025 outlined a deal between Haiti’s transitional government and Prince’s firm, Vectus Global, to deploy a multinational force of contractors aimed at reclaiming territory from heavily armed gangs. The agreement included both short-term security operations and a longer-term role in rebuilding government revenue systems.
As of early 2026, elements of that plan are now active on the ground.
Haitian authorities have confirmed that contractor-led operations are underway, including targeted anti-gang actions and support to local security forces. These efforts are focused primarily in and around Port-au-Prince, where armed groups continue to control significant portions of the العاصمة and key infrastructure routes.
The contractor presence remains limited in scale compared to traditional warzone deployments, but it is operationally significant. Reports indicate that personnel tied to Prince’s network are engaged in advisory roles, direct support operations, and the use of surveillance and strike capabilities aimed at disrupting gang leadership structures.
This development comes as the broader international effort—now operating under the Gang Suppression Force, formerly the Kenya-led MSS mission—continues to struggle with manpower, funding, and operational effectiveness.
Unlike Iraq or Afghanistan, Haiti represents a different type of contractor environment. There is no large U.S. military footprint, and contractor operations are occurring in a fragmented, high-risk urban setting with limited oversight and evolving rules of engagement.
The situation remains volatile. Armed gangs still dominate large areas of the capital, and the use of private contractors has sparked ongoing debate among analysts and policymakers. Critics argue that introducing private military forces could complicate command structures and weaken long-term state authority, while supporters point to the urgent need for immediate security solutions.
Looking ahead, Haiti is shaping into a potential growth market for contractors—but only if stability improves. If current operations succeed in opening key routes and restoring some level of control, demand for security, logistics, and infrastructure contractors could expand quickly. If not, contractor roles will likely remain limited, specialized, and high-risk.
For now, the shift is clear: what started as a proposed deployment is now an active, evolving contractor presence on the ground in Haiti.
IRAQ — The United States maintains a much smaller military presence in Iraq today compared to the height of operations during the Iraq War. Over the past several years, American forces have consolidated into a limited number of strategic locations as the mission transitioned from combat operations to advising, intelligence support, and regional security cooperation. Most remaining U.S. forces are concentrated in northern Iraq and around diplomatic facilities in Baghdad, where they continue to support Iraqi security forces and monitor extremist threats.
Several key facilities still host U.S. personnel. The primary operational hub is Erbil Air Base in the Kurdistan Region, where U.S. forces coordinate training and logistical support missions. In Baghdad, American personnel also operate from the U.S. Embassy Baghdad and the nearby Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, which functions as a logistical and security hub supporting embassy operations. These facilities rely heavily on private contractors, security teams, and logistical personnel who help maintain daily operations.
U.S. Locations Still Hosting Personnel in Iraq
Erbil Air Base – Primary U.S. military hub in northern Iraq
U.S. Embassy Baghdad – Largest U.S. diplomatic compound in the world
Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center – Logistics and operational support facility near Baghdad International Airport
Camp Union III – Previously coalition headquarters, now associated with NATO Mission Iraq
Ain al-Asad Air Base – Major former U.S. base that has largely transitioned to Iraqi control but historically hosted U.S. forces
Although the number of bases has declined significantly, the remaining locations continue to face security challenges. Rocket, drone, and missile attacks by Iran-aligned militia groups have targeted several U.S. facilities in Iraq in recent months. These threats highlight the fragile security environment surrounding the last American positions still operating in the country, even as the broader U.S. military footprint continues to shrink.
IRAQ — The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has issued a security alert urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately due to rising regional tensions and increasing security risks. The advisory follows a series of recent attacks and escalating threats linked to Iranian-aligned militia groups operating in the country.
According to embassy officials, the warning reflects a deteriorating security environment that could put American civilians, contractors, and diplomatic personnel at risk. The embassy advised U.S. citizens still in Iraq to depart using commercial transportation if available and to avoid areas near government buildings, military installations, and diplomatic facilities.
The alert comes as tensions between the United States, Iran, and various militia groups continue to increase across the region. In recent days, the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad—where the U.S. Embassy is located—has reportedly been targeted by rockets and drones launched by militia groups believed to be backed by Iran. While security systems have intercepted some of these attacks, the incidents have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is the largest American diplomatic mission in the world and has long been a focal point during periods of instability in Iraq. Security for the compound is extensive and includes U.S. military personnel, diplomatic security teams, and private contractors responsible for protecting embassy operations.
Officials have not announced a full evacuation of embassy staff, but the advisory signals that Washington is closely monitoring the situation. Similar warnings have historically preceded temporary reductions of diplomatic personnel or increased security measures.
For Americans working in Iraq—including contractors, aid workers, and private security personnel—the embassy recommends maintaining heightened situational awareness and closely monitoring official travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
The situation remains fluid as regional developments continue to unfold. U.S. officials say they will issue further guidance if conditions on the ground change.
