CNN —
A mass attack in central Haiti left scores of people dead, including three young children, the United Nations human rights office said in a statement Friday.
Members of the Gran Griff gang used automatic weapons to kill at least 70 people on Thursday, including 10 women and three young children, according to the United Nations.
The attack occurred in the town of Pont Sonde, in Artibonite department, an important agricultural center about 80 miles north of Port-au-Prince, where gang violence continues to spread, according to the United Nations.
The United Nations said at least 16 people were seriously injured in the attack, including two gang members who were attacked during a gunfight with Haitian police. Gang members also set fire to at least 45 homes and 34 vehicles, forcing some residents to evacuate.
The International Organization for Migration said more than 6,000 people had been displaced due to the violence.
Haiti’s Ministry of Health said it was mobilized to respond to the incident but was facing difficulties accessing the scene due to the tense security situation. “Despite the extremely difficult security situation, the victims of this attack are being cared for by local agencies,” the ministry said.
Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conil expressed his condolences to those affected by the attack and said law enforcement would “intensify the response.”
“This heinous crime committed against defenseless women, men and children is an attack not only on these victims, but on all of Haiti,” he added.
According to the United Nations, Gran Griff is the most powerful gang in Artibonite. Last month, alleged gang leader Lacson Elan was sanctioned by the United States for “grave human rights violations, including kidnapping, murder, beating, and rape of women and children.”
Haiti has seen a surge in gang violence in recent years, with attacks becoming bolder and more violent. The United Nations reports that at least 3,661 people have been killed since January.
In June, foreign security forces arrived in Haiti as part of a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission aimed at providing security and restoring law and order to the Caribbean nation.
Following Thursday’s attack, the United Nations called for additional financial and logistical support for the MSS. It also called for a “prompt and thorough investigation” into the attack and “compensation for the victims and their families.”
CNN has reached out to the Haitian National Police for comment.
“I say to those who sow fear: You will not break our resolve,” Coneil said. “We will never conquer this people who have always fought for their dignity and freedom. We will never give up our right to live in peace, security and justice.”
