Haitian gang attacks town after one of the worst massacres in nation’s history

BOGOTA, Colombia

Gunmen attacked a town north of Haiti’s capital Thursday, just days after one of the worst gang massacres in the island nation’s history.

Locals said at least one person was killed and Haitians fear the death toll may rise in the coastal town of Arcahaie after a violent gang attack took place.

Residents were heard calling radio stations asking that police come and save them.

Arcahaie, located to the north of Port-au-Prince, is a strategic point to help Haiti’s powerful gangs expand their grip on the rest of the country. Violent gangs already control up to 80% of the capital.

Last week, gang members stormed the town of Pont-Sonde in central Haiti, killing 115 people, including infants, mothers and the elderly.

According to a local human rights group, the gang approached Pont-Sonde via canoes before dawn, opening fire and wounding many people as they caught residents by surprise and later set fire to their homes. The massacre forced more than 6,200 people to be displaced.

The attacks come in the context of indiscriminate gang violence across Haiti, leading to an alarming number of crimes against the people, but in particular children.

Amnesty International expressed deep concern Thursday about gang-related violence against children.

“We have documented heartbreaking stories of children forced to work for armed gangs – from making deliveries to gathering information and performing domestic tasks under threat of violence,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

“In addition, girls have been subjected to rape and sexual violence. The desperation of their situation is truly disturbing; many have been displaced or have nowhere to go.”

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille arrived in Kenya on Thursday for a four-day official visit, during which he will meet with Kenyan President William Ruto and seek further support for the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, which arrived in the country over the summer.