Haiti: At least 70 killed in ‘massacre,’ says rights group

Updated Death Toll Exceeds Initial Estimates

A human rights organization has revealed that the death count from a violent gang assault in Haiti exceeds initial estimates. The incident in the Artibonite region, which left at least 70 people dead and 30 injured, has been labeled a ‘massacre’ by the group. Earlier reports from local authorities had cited only 16 fatalities and 10 injuries, while civil protection officials later raised the figure to 17 deaths and 19 wounds.

Criticism of Local Authorities

The Collective Defending Human Rights group accused local authorities of failing to address the crisis, stating that the lack of security response and the inability to safeguard the Artibonite region demonstrated negligence. The organization highlighted that nearly 6,000 residents were compelled to leave their homes following the attack.

“This attack underscores the gravity of the security situation faced by the Haitian population,” said a UN Secretary-General spokesperson, urging a comprehensive investigation. The statement came as reports of the death toll varied widely, ranging from 10 to 80 victims.

Attack Details and Regional Context

Armed members of the Gran Grif gang executed the assault in the Jean-Denis area at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday, according to local civil protection officials. Artibonite, a key agricultural region, has seen some of the most severe violence in Haiti as gang activity expands beyond Port-au-Prince. This follows recent UN reports indicating that over 2,000 people had already been displaced by similar raids in Verrettes, prompting residents of Petite-Rivière to flee.

International Response and Ongoing Efforts

The United States has offered a $3 million reward for information on the financial operations of the Gran Grif and Viv Ansanm groups, both designated as terrorist organizations. Haitian security forces, supported by a UN-backed international mission and a U.S. private military contractor, have intensified operations against gangs dominating the capital. However, no major leaders have been captured yet.

Since 2021, gang violence has displaced over one million people, deepened food insecurity, and claimed nearly 20,000 lives across the country. The toll continues to rise annually, highlighting the escalating crisis in Haiti’s security landscape.