Gang Attack in Haiti Leaves 115 Dead

The death toll following a shocking gang assault on Pont-Sondé in central Haiti has climbed to 115, as reported by local officials on Wednesday. This Oct. 3 attack represents one of Haiti's most significant massacres in recent times. Myriam Fièvre, the mayor of nearby Saint-Marc, revealed authorities are still searching for bodies and face difficulties accessing parts of the town. Fièvre stressed they are "working to make sure that the population is protected."

Initially, the UN stated at least 70 fatalities occurred when the Gran Grif gang stormed the town in the Artibonite region last Thursday. The violence prompted over 6,200 residents to escape, finding refuge in Saint-Marc. These survivors are now seeking temporary shelter in a church, a school, and even on a public plaza floor, indicating the severity of the displacement crisis.

Gran Grif's actions were reportedly sparked by anger over a local self-defense group's attempts to curb gang influence and disrupt their illegal toll operations. The gang's reprisal highlights the tense dynamics and the fragile security landscape in the region. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)