Petite-Rivière de l'Artibonite, a town already scarred by violence, was the victim of another bloody attack by Savien's "Gran Grif" gang.

Around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, residents of Petite-Rivière de l'Artibonite were startled awake by automatic gunfire. This attack revived traumatic memories of the massacre that took place on the night of December 10-11, 2024 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43828-haiti-flash-bloody-reprisals-by-the-gran-grif-gang-in-petite-riviere.html

Within a few hours, dozens of homes and vehicles were set on fire. Entire families were killed or kidnapped, and women and girls were raped. People are trapped in their homes, waiting for law enforcement to come to their aid. Some are wounded by bullets and unable to escape.

To escape the violence, many families have attempted to cross the Artibonite River to seek refuge in Verrettes and Liancourt. Gunfire from the bandits, who had taken control of Fort de la Crête in Pierrot, hit children, young people, and adults, who unfortunately perished in the water. Survivors also described the difficulties faced by those who could not swim.

No death toll is currently available, but according to multiple accounts, it is likely to be severe.

PI/ iciHaiti