Nearly 6,300 individuals have been forced to flee their homes in central Haiti following a brutal attack by heavily armed gang members that resulted in the tragic loss of at least 70 lives, as reported by the U.N.'s migration agency. The displaced population, with nearly 90% seeking refuge with host families, and 12% finding shelter in various locations including a school, is currently grappling with the aftermath of the violence.
The attack, which occurred in Pont-Sondé during the early hours of a Thursday morning, prompted many residents to flee in the darkness of night. Witnesses described the assailants as entering homes, engaging in looting, arson, and indiscriminate shooting, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
In the aftermath, bodies were found scattered on the streets of Pont-Sondé, with many victims having suffered fatal gunshot wounds, including a young mother, her newborn child, and a midwife. The incident, initially believed to have claimed 20 lives, revealed a higher death toll as authorities combed through the affected areas.
Prime Minister Garry Conille, while visiting Saint-Marc, expressed determination in ensuring that the perpetrators face justice for their heinous actions. He emphasized the need for swift arrests, legal proceedings, and accountability to provide restitution to the victims and their families.
The U.N. Human Rights Office and the European Union both condemned the violence, highlighting the escalating brutality inflicted by criminal groups on the Haitian populace. The government responded by deploying an elite police unit to Pont-Sondé and dispatching medical supplies to support the overwhelmed local hospital.
Gang-related violence has been on the rise in the Artibonite region, with Thursday's attack marking one of the deadliest incidents in recent years. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing turf wars, with civilians often becoming targets in gang-controlled territories.
As a result of the escalating violence, over 700,000 individuals, including a significant number of children, are now internally displaced across Haiti, representing a 22% increase since June. The displaced population faces numerous challenges, including food shortages, strained healthcare facilities, and limited access to essential supplies.
Port-au-Prince, where a quarter of the displaced population resides, is particularly affected, with overcrowded living conditions and inadequate access to basic services further compounding the crisis. The International Organization for Migration continues to monitor the situation closely, providing support to those impacted by the ongoing violence.
