The UN Secretary-General condemned reports that at least 40 people were killed in an armed gang attack on a fishing village north of Haiti’s capital.
According to Haitian media, the assault took place on the evening of Thursday, September 11, in the settlement of Labodie. It is the latest sign that the wave of gang violence is spreading beyond Port-au-Prince.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the scale of the violence shaking Haiti and urges the country’s authorities to ensure those responsible for these and other human rights violations are held accountable,” the UN statement said.
A spokesperson for the national police declined to comment on reports of the mass killings.
Local media reported that gangs set fire to Labodie after the killing of a gang leader known as Vladimir. He was part of the Viv Ansanm alliance, which the United States designated a terrorist organization in May.
The US State Department has noted that Viv Ansanm is one of the main drivers of instability and violence in the country. Members of the alliance have seized control over much of the capital and extended their influence into surrounding areas.