At Least 30 Killed in Gang Attack on Haitian Town

Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Dozens of people have been killed following a brutal gang attack in central Haiti, with the death toll still unclear as conflicting reports emerge from officials and human rights groups.

The violence occurred over the weekend in the Artibonite region, where members of the Gran Grif gang stormed communities near Petite-Rivière, setting homes ablaze and opening fire on residents.

Initial police reports placed the death toll at around 16, while local activists reported at least 30 bodies recovered. However, human rights organizations say the number of victims could exceed 70, suggesting the scale of the attack may be significantly higher.

Residents described scenes of destruction, with entire communities emptied as thousands fled the area. Estimates indicate that between 2,000 and 6,000 people have been displaced by the violence.

The attack is believed to be part of ongoing clashes between armed groups competing for control of territory in the region, underscoring the deepening security crisis in Haiti, where gangs continue to expand their influence beyond the capital.

Authorities have yet to provide a final casualty figure, and investigations into the attack remain ongoing.