Haiti Gang Violence: 16 Killed, 6,000 Displaced

0:00On March 31st, at least 16 people got killed in a brutal gang attack over the weekend in Central Haiti and police are struggling to even reach, the area controlled by the Grand Griff gang. Reports say the death toll might climb higher, possibly to 20 or even 70, with 6,000 folks forced to flee their homes in the weights arson die. Jean-Denis-Area, near Patite Rivière de La Thibonite, the attacks kicked off early Sunday with gang members torching houses and firing on anyone trying to escape, followed by another round on Monday. Survivors found bodies scattered along the roads, but fear of roaming gunmen has locals too scared to collect them, leaving at least 19 others. Wounded from bullets, rights groups and residents point fingers at Grand Griff, one of Haiti's most notorious crews, led in this case by a commander called T. Kankin, who flipped from vigilante protector to gang enforcer. Experts warned this, switch raises big red flags about shifting loyalties in the fight against gangs, trapping civilians in the crossfire.

1:07This isn't new for the Artibonite region last October, Grand Griff massacred over 100 in a nearby town. The U.S. labeled them a terrorist group last year, blaming them and allies for pushing Haiti toward a gang run state, fueled by trafficking and terror. Meanwhile, the multinational force trying to push back has been outmatched, but a bigger UN-backed squad is set to roll in next month with fresh. Officers in April, hoping to finally turn the tide on this endless violence. That's the story for today. Global news today, driven by AI, I'm Corey with the story.