Gangs Escalate Violence In Haiti With New Massacre: 'Barbecue Burned My House'

Violence continued to escalate in Haiti's capital over the past days with a new massacre carried out by gang coalition Viv Ansanm on the densely populated Delmas 30 neighborhood.

At least 15 people were killed, residents told the Miami Herald. Among the victims was a meat vendor who was burned alive in front of his child. An entire family was also reportedly slaughtered, with only one survivor who hid under a bed. Authorities have not confirmed the death toll.

The attacks began early Sunday and continued into Tuesday, forcing hundreds of residents to flee under heavy gunfire. Viv Ansanm, led by former police officer Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier and others, has targeted neighborhoods not yet under its control.

Delmas 30 is viewed as a key location, providing access to the neighborhoods of Nazon and Solino, which could serve as a pathway to the affluent Pétion-Ville district. Gangs are estimated to control about 85% of Port-au-Prince at the moment.

Residents have expressed their frustration with the lack of government response. Jean Phillippe Marcel, recounted harrowing details of the attack, including reports of live infants being thrown into burning homes. "They're throwing live babies into the flames. Oh my God, why?" he said. Another person said he had already been displaced by gang attacks. "Barbecue burned my house and I went to (Delmas 30). Things are worse."

The Haiti National Police and the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission are struggling to contain simultaneous gang attacks across the capital and beyond. Security forces have been engaged in clashes in multiple areas, including the hills of Kenscoff, where gangs invaded farming communities last month, and the Artibonite region, where a Kenyan police officer was killed on Sunday.

In fact, police officers s are calling for better protection and resources following the killing of a Kenyan police officer who was part of a UN-backed mission to combat gangs. Garry Jean Baptiste, who leads of one of Haiti's main police unions, urged the government to provide more equipment and support as gangs continue expanding their control over Port-au-Prince.

The demonstration, attended by a small group of civilian protesters, came a day after Kenyan officials confirmed that a police officer was shot in Haiti's Artibonite region, an area dominated by gangs. Jean Baptiste also criticized delays in police salaries and called for financial assistance for the families of slain officers.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé later responded at a press conference, saying the government is committed to improving security through increased investment in police equipment.

In addition to Delmas 30, gangs on Tuesday attacked Delmas 17, Delmas 19, Tabarre 27, and Fort National, a neighborhood overlooking the presidential palace. Gunfire near the palace prompted the deployment of a specialized police brigade to push back the gangs. Though security forces temporarily regained control, Fort National remained encircled by gang members, raising concerns that nearby neighborhoods could soon fall, potentially cutting off critical routes in downtown Port-au-Prince.

As the violence continues, the United Nations launched a humanitarian response plan on Tuesday, seeking $908 million to provide aid to 3.9 million Haitians affected by the ongoing crisis.

However, foreign security assistance remains uncertain. The United States, Haiti's primary donor, has partially frozen funding under the Trump administration, raising concerns about future security operations. The international security mission has also faced funding shortages, with fewer than expected personnel and resources arriving in the country. The United Nations is also weighing financial and logistical support options, including a proposal to convert the Kenyan-led force into a UN peacekeeping operation, which would provide more stable funding and resources.