70 people, including children, killed in gang attack in Haiti

(CNN)- At least 70 people, including three infants, were killed in a gang attack in the city of Pont Sonde in central Haiti, the UN human rights office said in a statement on Friday.

Members of the “Big Griff” gang used automatic rifles to kill at least 70 people on Thursday, including 10 women and three children, according to the United Nations.

According to the United Nations, the attack occurred in the Artibonite department, an important agricultural center about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Port-au-Prince, where gang violence has been widespread.

The United Nations said at least 16 people were seriously injured in the attack, including two gang members who were killed during a shootout with Haitian police. Gang members set fire to at least 45 houses and 34 vehicles, forcing some residents to flee.

Haiti’s health ministry said it was mobilized to respond to the incident, but faced challenges accessing the site due to the tense security situation. “Despite the extremely difficult security context, the victims of this attack are being cared for by local institutions,” the ministry said.

Haitian Prime Minister Gary Connelly expressed his condolences to those affected by the attack and said that law enforcement would “intensify their response.”

“This horrific crime committed against defenseless women, men and children is an attack not only on these victims, but on the entire Haitian nation,” he said.

According to the United Nations, the Gran Grief is the most powerful gang in Artibonite. Last month, the gang’s alleged leader Luxon Allen was sanctioned by the United States for “serious human rights violations, including kidnapping, murder, beatings and rape of women and children.”

Gang violence in Haiti has increased in recent years, with attacks becoming more brazen and violent. The United Nations reports that at least 3,661 people have died since January this year.

In June, foreign security forces arrived in Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Assistance (MSS) mission, designed to provide security and restore order in the Caribbean nation.

Following Thursday’s attack, the United Nations called for additional financial and logistical support for the MSS. He also called for a “prompt and thorough investigation” of the attack and “compensation for the victims and their families.”

CNN has contacted the Haitian National Police for comment.

Prime Minister Connell said, “To those who sow the seeds of terror, I say this: They will not break our resolve.” “They will not subjugate these people who have always fought for their dignity and freedom. “We will never give up our right to live in peace, security and justice.”