Haitian gang leader massacres over 100 in brutal revenge attack

Haiti is experiencing a wave of violence, with outbreaks of gang-led massacres culminating in recent horrific events in Port-au-Prince. A gang leader named Micanor Altès, supposedly seeking revenge for the illness and death of his son, initiated an attack believed to have claimed over 100 lives in a coastal community. Reports indicate that many of those targeted were elderly citizens and Vodou religious leaders, who Altès accused of using witchcraft against his son. The outbreak of violence has left the community in fear, and local authorities have acknowledged the need for security forces to intervene. Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos during the attacks, where armed men rounded up community leaders and executed them at gunpoint. The government's response has been to promise justice but finding a solution in gang-controlled territories remains a daunting task. Human rights organizations have reported that the situation is catastrophic, with escalating levels of violence and fear gripping the population, as they appeal for more decisive actions from the international community. In the aftermath of the massacre, several human rights groups are calling for a United Nations mission to stabilize the situation. Local residents fear further violence as many gang members continue to patrol the streets, hunting down survivors. This cycle of violence has roots in the country’s pervasive issues such as poverty, political instability, and a lack of effective law enforcement. Without immediate assistance and intervention, the trajectory of gang violence in Haiti threatens the lives of countless individuals and the stability of the nation. The outbreak of violence, including Altès' actions, epitomizes the struggles faced by Haiti as it grapples with a history of strongman rule, corruption, and declining public safety. With more than 4,500 reported deaths attributed to gang violence in 2024 alone, the need for international intervention grows more urgent as communities continue to suffer under gang rule.