A wave of violence struck a small town in Haiti this week after heavily armed gangs launched a coordinated attack, killing at least one teacher, kidnapping residents, and setting fire to several buildings.
According to local authorities and eyewitnesses, the assault began late at night when gunmen stormed through the community, firing indiscriminately and forcing families to flee their homes. The teacher, who was reportedly trying to shield students and neighbors, was fatally shot in the chaos.
Residents described the terrifying ordeal as gangs torched houses, businesses, and vehicles. Several people, including women and children, were abducted and taken away in trucks. Families have been left in anguish, not knowing the fate of their loved ones.
“This is pure terror. People are living in fear every single day,” said a local community leader, who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “We’ve lost not just lives, but also our sense of security.”
Haiti has faced an escalating wave of gang violence over the past year, with criminal groups controlling large swaths of territory, particularly around the capital, Port-au-Prince. The country’s fragile government and overstretched police force have struggled to maintain order as gangs exploit lawlessness, kidnappings, and extortion to tighten their grip on communities.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly warned that the unchecked violence is fueling a humanitarian disaster. Thousands of people have already been displaced, and essential services such as healthcare and education are under constant threat.
The Haitian National Police has pledged to respond, but residents remain skeptical, citing limited resources and slow intervention in previous attacks. For many in the affected town, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger security support and international attention to Haiti’s deepening crisis.