A devastating gang attack in central Haiti resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals, including three infants, as reported by the United Nations Human Rights Office on Friday. The assault, attributed to the Gran Grif gang, took place on Thursday in the town of Pont Sondé, situated in the Artibonite department, approximately 50 miles north of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This area has become increasingly plagued by gang violence, which has been escalating in recent years.
The attack was marked by the use of automatic weapons, targeting a defenseless population, and left at least 16 people with serious injuries. Among the injured were two gang members who sustained injuries during a shootout with Haitian police. In addition to the fatalities, the gang set fire to at least 45 homes and 34 vehicles, displacing over 6,000 residents from their homes, according to the International Organization for Migration.
The Haitian Ministry of Health responded to the tragedy by mobilizing resources, although they faced significant challenges in reaching the site due to the ongoing violent conditions. Despite these difficulties, local institutions are working to provide care for the victims of the attack. Prime Minister Garry Conille expressed his condolences to the families affected, condemning the attack as not only an assault on the victims but on the nation as a whole. He assured that law enforcement agencies would intensify their efforts to combat such acts of violence.
The Gran Grif gang is known to be the most powerful criminal organization in the Artibonite region. Recently, the alleged leader of this gang, Luckson Elan, was sanctioned by the United States for his involvement in severe human rights violations, including kidnapping, murder, and sexual assault against women and children. The UN has reported a worrying trend in Haiti, with gang violence resulting in approximately 3,661 deaths since the beginning of the year, indicating a sharp increase in lawlessness and brutality.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, foreign security forces were deployed to Haiti in June as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. This initiative aims to stabilize the country and restore order amidst the escalating gang-related violence. Following the latest attack, the UN has called for urgent financial and logistical support for the MSS, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the incident and reparations for the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Conille reaffirmed his government’s determination to confront those instilling fear in the populace, stating, “To those who sow terror, I say this: you will not break our resolve.” He stressed that the Haitian people have a long-standing history of fighting for their dignity, freedom, and the right to live in peace, security, and justice.
The recent violence highlights the deep-rooted issues facing Haiti, where gangs have increasingly taken control and carried out violent attacks with little regard for human life. The tragic events in Pont Sondé serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country, which requires urgent attention and action from both national and international communities.
