A devastating gang massacre in Haiti has left at least 70 people dead, including children and 16 others seriously injured.
The attack, carried out by the notorious Gran Grif gang, occurred in the town of Pont-Sondé in the central Artibonite region, approximately 44 miles northwest of the capital Port-au-Prince.
According to the United Nations, the gang members rampaged through the town, shooting automatic rifles at residents and setting fire to at least 45 houses and 34 vehicles.
This brutal act has forced residents to flee their homes, seeking safety elsewhere.
The Gran Grif gang, known for its violence, has been accused of various crimes, including murder, rape, robberies, and kidnappings.
Its leader, Luckson Elan, has been sanctioned by the U.N. and blames the state and victims for the attacks.
Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille has vowed to crack down on the gangs, with the U.N. calling for a “robust use of force” to restore order.
A U.N.-backed policing mission, comprising 2,500 officers from various countries, has been deployed to help under-resourced police.
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to worsen, with over 700,000 people internally displaced and half the population suffering from severe food insecurity.
The U.N. has estimated that 3,661 people have been killed in the conflict since January, averaging over 13 deaths daily.
The international community has been urged to provide increased financial and logistical assistance to support the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
