Armed gangs launched a new assault on Haiti's capital before dawn on Tuesday, causing casualties among the residents of the Delmas 30 neighborhood and prompting more people to flee as the gangs remain unchecked in the region.
In the enduring conflict that has displaced over 1 million Haitians – nearly 10% of the country's population, well-funded armed gangs have solidified control over much of the capital and its surroundings.
Responding to Reuters' inquiries, the police remained silent.
Local resident Alex Josue revealed the distress within the community, saying, "We haven't slept since the day before yesterday because everyone was panicking." He estimated around 15 individuals had lost their lives, recounting brutal incidents like a meat vendor being burned alive in front of his child.
Expressing the community's helplessness, Josue stated, "Wherever the gangs go, we run."
Rosy Auguste Ducena, program director for the local rights group RNDDH, reported on the situation, mentioning instances of violence including murder, arson, shootings, and rape.
Residents fled the area, carrying belongings on their heads, amid chaotic scenes that included someone pushing a corpse in a wheelbarrow.
An anonymous resident highlighted the ongoing attacks and appealed to Jimmy Cherizier, leader of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, expressing the bewildered sentiment, "The population is fleeing, they don't know where to go. What have we done to you?"