A brutal gang assault in central Haiti has left at least 70 people dead, including three infants, according to a statement from the United Nations Human Rights Office on Friday. Members of the Gran Grif gang reportedly wielded automatic weapons during the attack, which occurred on Thursday in the town of Pont Sondé, located in the Artibonite department, approximately 50 miles north of Port-au-Prince.
The UN reported that the violence also injured at least 16 individuals, including two gang members who were shot during a confrontation with Haitian police. In addition to the fatalities, the gang set fire to at least 45 houses and 34 vehicles, causing mass displacement among local residents. The International Organization for Migration indicated that more than 6,000 people have been forced to flee due to the escalating violence.
In response to the incident, the Haitian Ministry of Health mobilized resources to assist the victims, though they faced challenges in accessing the area due to ongoing security concerns. The ministry stated, “Despite an extremely difficult security context, the victims of this attack are being cared for by local institutions.”
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille expressed his condolences to those affected and emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement responses. He described the attack as “an odious crime” that targets not only individuals but the entire nation.
The Gran Grif gang, recognized as the most powerful group in Artibonite, has been linked to severe human rights violations, including kidnapping and murder. Gang violence in Haiti has surged in recent years, with the UN reporting at least 3,661 deaths since January.
Following Thursday’s assault, the UN has called for increased financial and logistical support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission and urged a thorough investigation into the attack, along with reparations for the victims and their families.
