Several gang members in Haiti killed during confrontation with police

The National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) reports that over 100 gang members have been killed in Haiti over a three-day period, as armed gangs intensify their attacks. Last Tuesday, one of the gangs attempted to invade Pétion-Ville, an upscale neighborhood in the capital.

In response, the Haitian National Police (PNH) confirmed it is continuing its security operations in Vivy Mitchell and Belleville, both located in the commune of Pétion-Ville. These efforts are part of the broader mission to dismantle the powerful gang that has held a dominant position in the capital, Port-au-Prince, since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. RNDDH executive director, Pierre Espérance, said that in several cases, the police have fatally wounded the armed individuals with members of the public setting fire to the bodies.

He said in other cases, it is the residents themselves who have killed the bandits to protect themselves. RNDDH said that among the 90 deaths reported on Tuesday, 25 occurred in the Canapé Verte neighborhood and 15 along the Pan-American Highway near the Oasis Hotel in Pétion-Ville. It said last Thursday, six gang members were killed between Delmas 57 and 59 and the Christ-Roi neighborhood.