In brief
In a series of brutal gang attacks in rural Haiti, at least 16 individuals have been confirmed dead and up to 70 fatalities may be possible, with thousands fleeing their homes. The Gran Grif gang is believed to be behind the violence, which underscores the deepening crisis in Haiti, where local and international authorities struggle to restore safety.
Police are attempting to access a gang-controlled area in central Haiti where at least 16 people were killed over the weekend in a series of attacks. Though only 16 fatalities have been confirmed by police so far, local journalists report numbers could rise, with warnings indicating up to 70 deaths.
The Gran Grif gang, one of the most feared criminal organizations in Haiti, is blamed for these deadly assaults, causing about 6,000 residents to flee their homes.
Gang violence has plagued the Caribbean nation for years, and a multinational police force sent to control the situation has struggled to operate in areas dominated by gangs. Reports indicate the initial attack occurred early Sunday morning, as gang members ambushed the rural area of Jean-Denis, near Petite-Rivière de l'Artibonite, setting homes alight and shooting at fleeing families.
Survivors described horrific scenes where bodies were left scattered along roads in the aftermath. While 16 bodies have been retrieved so far, many locals remain too terrified to collect them because of ongoing gang activity in the area. Authorities also reported that another 19 individuals sustained gunshot injuries amid the violence.
Experts have noted the highly coordinated nature of the attacks, particularly given that roads were reportedly blocked to disrupt police intervention. Criticism has mounted against the authorities for failing to heed advance warnings about impending violence.
The lead attacker is believed to be a commander known as 'Ti Kenken,' who previously led a vigilante group before aligning with the Gran Grif gang. His transition raises concerns about spiraling violence and the potential shifts in loyalties among local vigilante forces.
This incident highlights a troubling history of gang violence in Artibonite, a primarily agricultural region. A similar assault in October 2024 resulted in over 100 deaths, as gang members targeted residents accused of siding with rival factions.
Gran Grif, labeled a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States, continues to be a significant source of instability in Haiti. As the existing multinational police force grapples with being outgunned by gangs, a new UN-backed Gang Suppression Force is set to deploy in April to bolster efforts against gang control.
