A massacre in Haiti’s Artibonite region has left at least 70 people dead and 30 injured, according to a local human rights group, far exceeding the official toll of 16. The violence erupted near Petite-Rivière, where armed gangs stormed rural communities, setting homes ablaze and forcing thousands to flee.
The attack began early Sunday and continued into Monday, targeting the area around Jean-Denis. Witnesses described scenes of terror as gang members moved door to door, torching homes and shooting residents. The group Defenseurs Plus estimates around 6,000 people were displaced, while the UN reports over 2,000 fled in the aftermath.
Initial police reports listed 16 dead and 10 injured, but civil protection authorities later updated the toll to 17 dead and 19 wounded. The UN office in Haiti (BINUH) is closely monitoring the situation, with estimates ranging from 10 to 80 fatalities. A spokesperson called for a thorough investigation into the massacre.
The rights group condemned the lack of security, stating that the Artibonite region has been abandoned to armed groups. An audio message attributed to Gran Grif leader Luckson Elan claimed the attack was retaliation for assaults on their base by rival gangs.
Artibonite, a vital agricultural hub, has seen escalating violence as gang conflicts spread beyond Port-au-Prince. Despite increased policing and foreign aid promises, the situation remains dire. Haiti’s National Police deployed armored vehicles, but gang-dug road holes slowed their response. By the time they arrived, dozens of homes were already destroyed.
Since 2021, nearly 20,000 people have been killed in Haiti due to gang violence. Groups like Gran Grif and Viv Ansanm have been labeled terrorist organizations by the US, accused of mass killings, trafficking, and other atrocities. The US recently offered a $3 million reward for information on their financial networks.
This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for security reform and humanitarian aid in Haiti.
