70 Killed in Haiti Massacre, Rights Group Reports Higher Death Toll

At least 70 killed, 30 injured in Haiti attack

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General told a press briefing that the organization’s office in Haiti, BINUH, was closely monitoring recent events. Estimates of deaths ranged from 10 to 80 people.

Human rights group said 6,000 displaced by violence

The Defenseurs Plus human rights group estimated 6,000 people had been displaced due to the attack, while the UN put the number at over 2,000 who left their homes in recent days following raids by armed gangs nearby.

Police reported 16 dead and 10 injured initially

Initially, police reported 16 deaths and 10 injuries. A preliminary report from civil protection authorities said 17 had died and 19 were wounded, mostly men.

Spokesperson called for thorough investigation

The spokesperson called for a thorough investigation into the lack of security response and abandonment of Artibonite to armed groups, which they deemed as a complete abdication of responsibility by authorities.

Attack retaliation for rival gang attacks

An audio message attributed to Gran Grif leader Luckson Elan said the attack was retaliation for attacks on their base in Savien by a rival armed group.

Artibonite department has seen some of Haiti’s worst violence

The Artibonite department, a key agricultural area, has experienced some of Haiti’s worst violence. Gang conflict has extended beyond the capital Port-au-Prince despite more aggressive policing and promises of increased foreign support for Haiti’s security forces.

UN report: 20,000 killed in Haiti since 2021

A recent UN report stated that nearly 20,000 people have been killed in Haiti since 2021, with the death toll rising each year due to increasingly independent and powerful armed gangs clashing with security forces and local vigilante groups.