Gangs keep up attacks in Haiti's farming region after weekend massacre
Posted on: Apr 01, 2026 08:22 IST | Posted by: Cbc
Armed men mounted farther attacks in Haiti's agricultural Artibonite neighborhood on tues, years after a gang's weekend assault in the country of Jean-Denis left some 70 people dead, according to human rights groups and local residents.
Haiti's National Police said they were conducting operations in several parts of Artibonite on Tuesday.
Residents of Jean-Denis counted 70 bodies on Sunday morning after an attack by the Gran Grif gang, the Réseau National de Défense de Droits Humains (RNDDH) said in a report, matching the estimates of the Défenseurs Plus rights group. It was far above official estimates, which put the death toll at around 16.
RNDDH said about 30 more people were wounded, and victims included infants, pregnant women, teenagers and an 80-year-old man.
Armed men withdrew from Jean-Denis on Monday, RNDDH said, but on Tuesday they repositioned themselves in nearby Pont Benoit and were attempting to launch another offensive in the town of Marchand Dessalines, about 19 kilometres north.
Videos shared on social media showed armed men reportedly belonging to the Kokorat San Ras gang, a close ally of the powerful Gran Grif, distributing cash to residents in Marchand Dessalines.
Gran Grif has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. And the neighbouring Dominican Republic.
Residents told Reuters local self-defence brigades did not have the firepower to hold off the gangs, which would wait during the day when police were present but begin shooting and setting fire to buildings at night.
RNDDH, whose report followed interviews with local authorities, police and residents, said Gran Grif's attack on Jean-Denis followed weeks of threats. It noted that residents did not flee because they believed the self-defence brigade would protect them.
However, the brigade withdrew as it did not have the firepower to hold off the attack, RNDDH said.
The police response was limited, it noted, with armored vehicles that managed to reach the scene staying just a few hours before withdrawing on Monday.
Local authorities told the rights group that most of their armored vehicles were out of service and that units belonging to the UN-backed security force had to await authorization from the capital before deploying.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé received a UN delegation and discussed the arrival of an expanded mission of a so far only partially deployed security force, which has suffered from lack of equipment, troops and funds.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.