The latest assault by gangs on the Haitian neighborhood of Delmas 30 underscores a tragic humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Gangs launched an attack on Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, targeting the Delmas 30 neighborhood.
- The Viv Ansanm gang coalition is responsible for the assault, with several attacks under their belt.
- Gang violence has already displaced over 6,000 people in the Port-au-Prince area in the past month alone.
- This recent episode is part of ongoing violence that has rendered over 1 million people homeless.
Gang Violence and Its Immediate Impact
Violence struck Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, early Tuesday as gangs attacked Delmas 30. The offensive began before dawn, creating chaos as terrified residents evacuated, with some families frantically carrying babies and elderly relatives.
The Viv Ansanm gang coalition, responsible for the attack, has been fueling fear in citizens with a string of violent incidents. Local reports revealed that two Haitian soldiers were among the casualties, and a grieving man was seen transporting his relative’s body on a wheelbarrow, exemplifying the dire escape for those trapped by gang activities.
The Larger Humanitarian Crisis
In the past month, over 6,000 individuals have been uprooted from their homes due to the constant escalation of gang violence in the Port-au-Prince area. According to U.N. reports, families have suffered tragic losses with entire households being killed inside their own homes, and others, including children, falling to gunfire while attempting to escape.
In 2023 alone, over 5,600 people were killed in Haiti due to gang violence, contributing to over a million people being forced into homelessness. The scale of these attacks sheds light on the desperate need for immediate intervention and support for the affected communities.
#Haiti: Armed clashes in Delmas
Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday morning in the commune of Delmas. Heavy weapons fire rang out at Carrefour de l'Aéroport, Delmas 17, causing fear among the local population.
While the government shows determination to resolve the security… pic.twitter.com/PkodYvwNdn
— HaitiInfoProj (@HaitiInfoProj) January 16, 2025
International Response and Efforts
Many of Haiti’s residents are now relying on a collective response from local, national, and international entities dedicated to addressing the crisis. Efforts are underway to bring assistance to those in need, mitigating further displacement and loss. Non-profit organizations, along with media channels, play a crucial role in raising awareness and driving action towards resolution in the afflicted regions.
The reliance on these collaborative bodies highlights how a united stand is vital for reducing conflict and restoring stability and hope in these communities suffering from the unabating violence in their environment.
Sources
1. Haiti PM’s return still murky as gang conflict worsens
2. Gangs launch a new and deadly attack on Haiti’s capital as dozens flee
