Notorious gang attack kills 20 in Haiti, several others wounded

A devastating attack by the notorious Gran Grif gang has left at least 20 people, including children, dead and around 50 others wounded in Pont-Sondé, Haiti.

The town, located about 44 miles northwest of Port-au-Prince, was rampaged by gang members, forcing residents to flee for their lives on motorbikes and foot, as captured in disturbing video footage.

This brutal incident has been described as “a massacre” by a government prosecutor, and the exact death toll remains unclear, with reports varying between 20 to over 50.

The Gran Grif gang, known for its violence, has a history of terrorizing Haiti, including the killing of six police officers in January 2023 and the forced closure of a hospital serving over 700,000 people.

With approximately 100 members, the gang has been linked to heinous crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and kidnapping, according to a UN report. Notably, the gang’s founder and current leader are under US sanctions.

In response to the escalating violence, Haitian authorities have expanded the state of emergency nationwide, and Prime Minister Garry Conille has pledged to crack down on gangs.

The UN has authorized a robust policing mission, comprising 2,500 officers from various countries, including 1,000 from Kenya, to restore order. This mission will operate for one year, with a review scheduled after nine months.

The situation in Haiti remains dire, with armed gangs controlling large parts of the country, and the international community is working to provide support and stability to the beleaguered nation.