Haitian gangs abduct high-ranking defense official
A group of armed men abducted a high-ranking member of the Haitian government in one of the few places thought to be safe in the country’s capital, a source told The Associated Press on Saturday.
The source said the group abducted James Boyard, the cabinet director of the Defense Ministry, who was a respected security expert and also served as inspector general of the country’s police, CBS News reported. Boyard was tasked with rebuilding Haiti’s armed forces and was helping assess the country’s national police.
It wasn’t clear if a ransom was requested for release. Some have theorized that Boyard’s abduction was meticulously planned since he had an armed security detail. CBS News speculated that his kidnappers may have cooperated with someone close to Boyard.
Diego Da Rin, an analyst with the International Crisis Group, told CBS News that the gangs have gotten more brazen with their kidnappings. He said that they are occurring more often in areas of Port-au-Prince once considered safe, as was the case in Boyard’s abduction.
He also noted that kidnappers are targeting officials and people with dual nationalities. That might mean they are targeting people who may provide a larger ransom. CBS News reported that high-profile kidnappings have targeted many, including Haitian journalists and international missionaries. From December 2025 to February 2026, at least 267 people were reported kidnapped in the country.
Round out your reading
- People are overdosing on GLP-1 injections. What does that look like?
- Researchers put chatbots in a simulation. Grok ended the world in 4 days.
- Fearing more e-bike injuries, Illinois looks to become 10th state to mandate registration, insurance.
- Why are young professionals facing such a tough job market? Hint: It’s not just AI.
- We’re building a new Straight Arrow. Help us shape our future by taking our survey.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
