At least 70 individuals have reportedly been killed and 30 others wounded in a gang attack in the Artibonite region of Haiti, according to the human rights organization Defenseurs Plus. This figure significantly surpasses the official death toll, which is estimated at approximately 16. The violence erupted in the early hours of Sunday in rural communities near Jean-Denis and continued into Monday, with gang members attacking the area and setting homes ablaze.
Local residents and officials have indicated that the attack has resulted in the displacement of around 6,000 people. Prior to this incident, the United Nations had estimated that over 2,000 individuals had already fled their homes due to nearby gang raids. The Haitian National Police initially reported 16 fatalities and 10 injuries, while civil protection authorities later revised the figures to 17 dead and 19 wounded, predominantly among men.
A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General stated that the UN’s office in Haiti, known as BINUH, is closely monitoring the situation, with estimates of fatalities ranging from 10 to 80. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the events. Defenseurs Plus criticized the authorities for their lack of a security response, describing the situation in Artibonite as a complete abdication of responsibility.
The attack has been attributed to the Gran Grif gang, with a message circulating on social media from its leader, Luckson Elan, suggesting that the violence was a retaliation against a rival group. The Artibonite region, known for its agricultural significance, has been plagued by escalating violence as gang conflicts extend beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince.
In response to the attack, the Haitian National Police deployed three armored vehicles, although their progress was hindered by obstacles placed by gang members. As police arrived, they found several homes already burned, and the armed group had fled the scene. The injured were transported to a local hospital, while the deceased were taken to morgues. The police have initiated operations to locate the fleeing gang members.
The ongoing violence in Haiti has resulted in a staggering death toll, with close to 20,000 people killed since 2021, according to a recent UN report. The situation has been exacerbated by the increasing power of armed gangs, which have been involved in various criminal activities, including mass killings and trafficking. The recent attack highlights the urgent need for effective security measures and humanitarian assistance in the region.
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