A tragic gang attack in central Haiti has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, including three infants, according to a statement made by the United Nations Human Rights Office on Friday.
Members of the Gran Grif gang armed with automatic rifles carried out the brutal assault on Thursday in the town of Pont Sondé, located in the Artibonite department, which is approximately 50 miles north of Port-au-Prince. The area has increasingly become a hotbed of gang violence, the UN reported.
The attack also left at least 16 people severely injured, including two gang members who were shot during a confrontation with Haitian police. In addition to the fatalities, gang members set fire to at least 45 homes and 34 vehicles, causing many residents to flee for safety.
The International Organization for Migration indicated that over 6,000 people have been displaced due to escalating violence in the region.
In response to the situation, the Haitian Ministry of Health stated that they are mobilizing resources to assist the victims, although they are facing difficulties accessing the affected site due to the heightened security risks. “Local institutions are providing care to the victims despite the challenging security context,” the ministry added.
Prime Minister Garry Conille expressed his condolences to those impacted by the attack and promised a stronger law enforcement response. “This heinous crime, committed against innocent men, women, and children, is not only an affront to the victims but to the entire Haitian nation,” he stated.
According to the UN, Gran Grif is regarded as the dominant gang in Artibonite. Last month, the alleged leader of the gang, Luckson Elan, was sanctioned by the United States for a range of serious human rights abuses, including kidnapping and murder.
Gang violence in Haiti has surged dramatically in recent years, with increasingly violent and brazen attacks. The UN estimates that at least 3,661 people have been killed since the beginning of this year.
In June, international security forces were deployed to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, aimed at restoring order and security in the troubled nation.
In the aftermath of Thursday’s assault, the UN has called for increased financial and logistical support for the MSS, as well as a “prompt and thorough investigation” into the attack and reparations for the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Conille also addressed the perpetrators, stating, “You will not break our resolve. You cannot subdue a people that have consistently fought for their dignity and freedom. We will never give up our right to live in peace, security, and justice.”
CNN has reached out to the Haitian National Police for further comments.
Credit: CNN News
