At least 70 killed, 30 wounded in Haiti gang 'massacre', rights groups says

More than 50 homes were reduced to ashes during clashes. (Photo/Reuters)

A severe violent incident, characterized as a massacre by local rights organizations, has taken place in the Artibonite region of Haiti. The Gran Grif gang reportedly targeted the towns of Jean Denis and Pont Sonde, resulting in significant casualties and the displacement of approximately 6,000 residents. The attack, which involved the burning of dozens of homes, has sparked intense criticism regarding the state's capacity to protect its citizens. While rights groups report high numbers of fatalities, official police counts remain significantly lower, reflecting the broader difficulty in documenting and managing the ongoing security crisis.

At least 70 people reported killed by the Gran Grif gang
Approximately 6,000 residents displaced due to the attacks
Discrepancy between rights groups and police in casualty counts
Infrastructure damage including the destruction of over 50 homes
Intervention by police and Kenyan-led suppression forces

At least 70 people have been killed and more than 30 wounded in a gang "massacre" in Haiti's Artibonite region, two rights organisations said, as nearly 6,000 residents fled attacks on the towns of Jean Denis and Pont Sonde.

Garry Doriscat, communications officer for Defenders Plus, said the attacks were "flagrant violations of the right to life and security," accusing the Haitian government of "revolting passivity" amounting to "blatant complicity."

More than 50 homes were reduced to ashes, he added in a statement with Kolektif pou Sove Latibonit (KSL), with displaced families fleeing to surrounding towns in "inhumane destitution."

The two organisations demanded immediate intervention to protect civilians, warning that impunity could "no longer be the state's response to the bloodshed."

Haiti's National Police said officers, supported by Kenyan Gang Suppression Force personnel, intervened Sunday morning after the "Gran Grif" gang attacked Jean Denis.

The gang had dug trenches and blocked roads to delay police, buying time to kill and burn before fleeing.

Police confirmed 16 deaths and 10 wounded in their official count, far below the toll cited by rights groups.

Security forces have since restored order and are continuing operations to pursue remaining gang members in surrounding areas, it said.

The massacre is the latest bout of bloodshed in a country that has been gripped by gang violence and political instability for years.

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Source: TRT