At least 16 people have been killed and thousands displaced following a series of coordinated gang attacks in central Haiti, as authorities struggle to access the affected areas.
Police said they are attempting to reach a gang-controlled region near Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, where the violence occurred over the weekend. While the official death toll stands at 16, estimates vary. A local journalist reported “around 20” fatalities, while a human rights group warned the number could be as high as 70.
- Advertisement -
Local activists attributed the attacks to the Gran Grif gang, one of the country’s most feared criminal organizations, and said approximately 6,000 residents have fled their homes.
Residents of the rural community of Jean-Denis said the first attack took place early Sunday morning. According to reports, gunmen arrived “from all directions,” setting houses on fire and shooting at people attempting to escape. Survivors later described finding bodies strewn along roadways. A second attack was reported on Monday.
Authorities confirmed that 16 bodies have been taken to nearby morgues, but the continued presence of gang members has prevented many families from retrieving the remains of victims. The ombudsman’s office also reported at least 19 people suffering from gunshot wounds, noting that ongoing insecurity is complicating efforts to verify the full extent of casualties.
Security expert Romain Le Cour Grandmaison said the attack appeared highly coordinated, with roads reportedly blocked to prevent police from intervening. He noted that such large-scale attacks are often preceded by warnings, raising concerns about the authorities’ failure to act on advance intelligence.
The attack is believed to have been led by a commander known as “Ti Kenken,” a former vigilante leader who reportedly defected and joined the Gran Grif gang.
Grandmaison warned that shifting allegiances among vigilante groups present a serious challenge, as individuals move between roles as community defenders, criminals, and, at times, informal allies of law enforcement.
The Artibonite region has been a recurring hotspot for violence. In October 2024, members of the Gran Grif gang carried out a massacre in Pont-Sondé that left more than 100 people dead.
The group was later designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Gran Grif and the Viv Ansanm gang coalition as key drivers of instability, warning that their objective is to establish a gang-controlled state fueled by illicit activities.
Efforts to restore order have faced significant challenges. The multinational security support mission deployed in 2024 has struggled to confront heavily armed gangs. A new United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force is expected to begin deployment in April to strengthen operations.
Despite these plans, the security situation remains volatile, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of escalating violence.
