Gang coalition attacks hillside farming village near Port-au-Prince, killing several residents
A powerful gang coalition raided a farming community in the hills above Haiti’s capital, setting homes ablaze and killing multiple people.
Armed members of a gang coalition stormed a previously tranquil farming settlement in the hills above Port-au-Prince, igniting homes and killing multiple residents, according to Mayor Jean Massillon. Access challenges and communication problems have prevented officials from confirming an exact death count. One resident, Mathurin Pierre, recounted the loss of 14 family members and said additional people are still unaccounted for.
The mayor blamed the violence on Viv Ansanm, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States last year. Targets included a local church and homes belonging to Dr. Jean "Bill" Pape, a doctor who runs an NGO serving patients with HIV and tuberculosis. No further specifics about the assault were available, and a spokesperson for the UN-supported gang suppression force did not reply to inquiries.
Why it matters
The attack highlights escalating gang violence in Haiti, threatening civilian safety and undermining upcoming elections.
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