Gang retaliation leaves 11 dead in Haiti's Artibonite region

At least 11 civilians were killed on Monday in the Artibonite region of central Haiti following a retaliatory attack by gang members. The violence occurred after a Sri Lankan contingent, operating as part of the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), dismantled illegal checkpoints and demanded tolls in the area. During the GSF operation, three gang members were reportedly killed.

According to Mayor Hubert Seneaque, the GSF soldiers stayed in the area only for a few hours before returning to their base in Gonaives. In direct retaliation for the losses suffered during the military operation, gang members attacked residents in territories contested by rival groups. Artibonite is widely considered the agricultural heartland of Haiti, and the violence highlights the ongoing instability caused by criminal organizations operating in the country.

The UN-mandated force, which is tasked with assisting local authorities in curbing rampant gang violence, withdrew shortly before the retaliatory attack began. Local officials confirmed that the attackers targeted civilians in an attempt to reassert control over the region following their earlier confrontation with the multinational security mission.