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PETITE-RIVIÈRE DE L’ARTIBONITE, Haiti — The town of Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite is in shock after a violent attack by the Gran Grif gang. Between the night of December 10 and the early hours of December 11, the gang killed at least 15 people, including four children, burned homes, destroyed vehicles, and kidnapped dozens of residents. This tragic event reveals the growing power of gangs in Haiti and the difficulties local authorities face in protecting communities.
Gran Grif, part of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, led the assault on the town, targeting homes and families. Armed with high-powered weapons, the gang left a trail of devastation. Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of families being executed in their homes, and many of those kidnapped were killed before reaching their destinations.
While local police forces attempted to respond, the gang’s actions demonstrated their ability to operate with little resistance. The situation remains tense, with reports suggesting there could be more victims yet to be discovered, as the gang continues to hold the area hostage.
The massacre underscores the broader failure to maintain security in the Artibonite region, which has become increasingly dominated by armed groups. Just days before the attack, the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Multinational Security Assistance Mission (MMAS) regained control of the local police station. Despite this, Gran Grif quickly reasserted its dominance, leaving residents trapped in their homes or fleeing in fear of further violence.
The Commission for Dialogue, Reconciliation, and Awareness to Save Artibonite has urged the government and international forces to take immediate and decisive action. The group stressed the need for coordinated efforts to dismantle Gran Grif’s operations in Savien, the gang’s base of power. Many believe only a strong response can restore peace to Petite-Rivière and neighboring communities.
This massacre is part of a larger pattern of escalating gang violence across Haiti. Armed groups now control extensive areas of the country, threatening both safety and economic stability. Efforts by the Haitian government and international partners to restore order have shown limited success, leaving communities like Petite-Rivière vulnerable.
As the town mourns its losses, calls for more effective solutions are growing louder. The tragedy in Petite-Rivière is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a sustainable and coordinated approach to Haiti’s security challenges. Without meaningful action, similar atrocities may continue to devastate communities across the country.
