Gang Massacre Leaves 70 Dead in Haiti, Thousands Flee Amid Violence

A horrifying attack by gang members in the western Haitian town of Pont-Sonde has left at least 70 people dead and displaced over 6,000 residents.

The massacre, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, October 3, was claimed by Gran Grif gang leader Luckson Elan as a retaliatory strike, accusing civilians of inaction while police and vigilante groups killed his soldiers.

The gang, armed with automatic rifles, roamed the streets, setting fire to homes and vehicles and leaving families devastated.

 In a chilling video shared online, residents were seen running for their lives, while others attempted to flee the chaos on motorbikes.

A spokesperson for the U.N. migration agency confirmed that 6,270 people had fled their homes, seeking refuge in nearby towns like Saint-Marc or staying in makeshift camps.

The Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, condemned the attack on X, stating, “This odious crime against defenseless women, men, and children is an attack on the entire Haitian nation.”

Reinforcements have since been deployed, with local authorities working to regain control of the area.

 Furthermore, a rights organization, RNDDH, reported that the death toll could be even higher, as many victims have yet to be recovered.

“Corpses are strewn on the ground as their loved ones have not yet been able to recover them,” the organization noted.

Meanwhile, local police, who did not intervene during the attack, have faced criticism for failing to act, with many speculating they feared being outgunned by the heavily armed gang.

Investigations are ongoing as the government seeks to address the escalating violence and restore peace to the affected region.