A deadly gang assault in central Haiti has left at least 16 people dead, with the toll feared to be significantly higher, as authorities and international officials warn of a worsening security crisis.
The attack, which unfolded between late Saturday and Sunday, targeted the town of Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite. The area was reportedly attacked by members of the Gran Grif gang, who burned homes and opened fire on civilians attempting to flee.
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According to police, at least 16 people were killed and 10 others injured. However, estimates from local activists and human rights groups suggest the death toll could be much higher, with some reports placing it between 30 and 70, and up to 80 feared dead.
Pierre Esperance of the National Human Rights Defense Network said witnesses reported that victims were shot while escaping burning homes, while others were executed at close range.
The uncertainty surrounding the number of casualties has been compounded by limited access to the area. Prosecutor Venson Francois noted that officials have been unable to safely reach the site to conduct a full assessment, raising concerns that the true scale of the tragedy remains unknown.
The violence occurred during a local festival, which authorities believe may have contributed to the high number of casualties.
Responding to the incident, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, described the attack as a stark reminder of Haiti’s deteriorating security environment.
“This attack underscores the gravity of the security situation faced by the Haitian population,” Dujarric said, noting that casualty estimates vary widely.
For several years, Haiti has been engulfed in escalating gang violence, marked by widespread killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence. According to recent UN data, more than 5,500 people have been killed between March 2025 and mid-January 2026 as a result of gang activity, security operations, and clashes involving self-defense groups.
The latest massacre highlights the deepening humanitarian and security crisis in the country, where armed gangs continue to exert control over large territories, leaving civilians increasingly vulnerable and with limited protection.
