At least 20 people are killed in a gang attack in Haiti

At least 20 people, including children, were killed after an armed gang attacked a small town in Haiti.

Another 50 were injured as Gran Grif gang members rampaged through Pont-Sondé in the central Artibonite region, about 71 km (44 miles) northwest of the capital Port-au-Prince.

Video footage shows groups of people fleeing the violence on motorcycles and on foot. A prosecutor called the attack “a massacre,” the Associated Press reported.

Armed gangs have taken control of large parts of Haiti and a UN-backed police mission, led by officers from Kenyabegan trying to regain control in June.

The exact death toll from the attack is not clear – local media reported that more than 50 people were killed, while a Haitian human rights group put the number at 20 or more, AP said.

Gran Grif is considered one of Haiti’s most violent gangs. In January 2023, its members were accused of attacking a police station near Port-Sondé, killing six officers. He is also accused of forcing the closure of a hospital with more than 700,000 patients.

According to a UN report cited by AP, the gang has about 100 members and is accused of crimes including murder, rape, robberies and kidnappings. Both its founder and current leader are subject to US sanctions.

Thursday’s gang rampage comes nearly a month after Haitian authorities said the state of emergency extended to cover the entire country.

Prime Minister Garry Conille has vowed to crack down on the gangs, with the UN saying a “robust use of force” is needed.

It has agreed to the police mission, which consists of 2,500 officers from various countries – including 1,000 pledged by Kenya.

Their use is approved for one year, and a review should take place after nine months.