Haiti Gang Attack Leaves 70 Dead, Including Infants

A violent gang attack in central Haiti has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people, including three infants, according to a report from the United Nations Human Rights Office. The incident occurred on Thursday in the town of Pont Sondé, located in the Artibonite department, approximately 50 miles north of Port-au-Prince. The attack marks one of the deadliest episodes of gang violence in recent months, highlighting the worsening security crisis in the country.

The Gran Grif gang, identified as the perpetrators, used automatic rifles to carry out the attack, indiscriminately killing residents, including 10 women and three infants. According to the UN, the violence also left at least 16 people seriously injured, two of whom were gang members wounded during an exchange of fire with Haitian police. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the attackers set fire to 45 houses and 34 vehicles, forcing many residents to flee their homes. The International Organization for Migration reported that over 6,000 people have been displaced as a result of the violence.

The Haitian Ministry of Health responded swiftly to the crisis, mobilizing resources to assist the injured. However, their efforts have been hindered by the challenging security situation in the region. “Despite an extremely difficult security context, local institutions are caring for the victims,” said the ministry in a statement.

Prime Minister Garry Conille condemned the attack, describing it as an “odious crime” and extended his condolences to the families affected. He assured the public that law enforcement would be stepping up efforts to address the situation. “This crime, committed against defenseless women, men, and children, is not just an attack on these victims, but on the entire Haitian nation,” Conille said.

Gran Grif is known to be the dominant gang in the Artibonite region, led by Luckson Elan, who was sanctioned by the United States last month for serious human rights abuses, including kidnapping, murder, and sexual violence. The gang’s power and influence have grown amid Haiti’s escalating security crisis, with attacks becoming more frequent and brutal. Since the beginning of the year, more than 3,600 people have been killed due to gang-related violence, according to UN reports.

In response to the escalating violence, foreign security forces arrived in Haiti in June as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, aimed at restoring order and stability. Following Thursday’s tragic attack, the UN called for increased financial and logistical support for the MSS, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the incident. They stressed the importance of bringing justice to the victims and their families.

Prime Minister Conille, addressing the perpetrators, vowed that their actions would not weaken the resolve of the Haitian people. “To those who sow terror, I say this: you will not break our resolve. You will not subdue a people who have always fought for their dignity and freedom. We will never give up our right to live in peace, security, and justice,” he said.

The attack has once again underscored the dire need for comprehensive efforts to curb gang violence and restore peace in Haiti, as the country struggles to navigate its ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.