Up to 70 Killed in Gang Attacks on Rural Haitian Communities Amid Arrival of U.N.-Backed Force

Gangs carried out coordinated assaults on at least eight towns in Haiti's agricultural Artibonite region over the weekend of last Sunday, resulting in as many as 70 deaths. The attacks targeted rural communities north of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Homes were set on fire during the violence, which involved heavy gunfire and roadblocks that hindered responses.

Ilres Théophile, a 55-year-old farmer living in the area, described waking to gunfire in the middle of the night on Sunday. The Gran Grif gang, active in the region, had issued warnings days earlier about plans to attack a nearby community. Théophile fled but returned after sunrise to find bodies in the streets, including those of his three brothers and his son.

The Haitian National Police attempted to respond but were delayed by roadblocks established by the gang, according to police statements and reports from human rights activists. After police departed the scene several hours later, the gang returned and ignited additional homes.

Pierre Espérance, executive director of the National Human Rights Defense Network, described the attackers as terrorists and stated that the situation exceeded the scope of a standard police operation.

This violence unfolded against the backdrop of escalating gang activity that has affected Haiti for years, contributing to widespread instability. The attacks highlight ongoing challenges for law enforcement in confronting well-armed groups that control significant territories.

Rural areas like Artibonite, vital for food production, have been particularly vulnerable, exacerbating food insecurity and displacement for thousands of residents.

The massacre occurred just days before the initial contingent of a United Nations-backed multinational force, known as the Gang Suppression Force, began entering Haiti. This force, led by Kenya with contributions from other nations, aims to support the Haitian police in restoring security.