# Escalating gang violence in Haiti's Artibonite region

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gang-violence-in-haitis-artibonite-region
> Updated: 2026-10-19T21:22:16.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3.

Gang violence in Haiti’s Artibonite region has intensified following a retaliatory attack by the Kokorat San Ras group in the Dosny area of Gros-Morne. That incident, which left at least 11 people dead and caused the burning of homes, followed a security operation by the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Amnesty International condemned the killings, with Americas Director Ana Piquer urging authorities to investigate and ensure effective protection for the population.

In mid-October 2026, violence surged further within the department. In Saint-Marc, armed groups launched an attack on October 19, reportedly seizing control of parts of the city center, including the Morne Fort and Crête-à-Pierrot areas. Concurrently, the “Gran Grif” gang has intensified activities in Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite. Armed men in that area have reportedly erected barricades in sectors such as Rue Capois and Quatorzième to restrict movement and security interventions, amid fears they may target the local police station.

The ongoing instability underscores a broader trend of violence expanding beyond Port-au-Prince. Amidst a humanitarian crisis requiring $880 million in aid to assist 4.2 million people, the UN Security Council has adopted Resolution 2829, extending the GSF mandate for six months until March 31, 2027.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Artibonite region in Haiti faces surge in gang violence

Armed gangs have launched attacks in Saint-Marc and Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, Haiti, seizing territory and threatening police stations in the Artibonite department.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/artibonite-region-in-haiti-faces-surge-in-gang-violence

### 2026-10-01: Haiti gang attack in Artibonite leaves at least 11 dead

A gang attack in Haiti’s Artibonite department left at least 11 dead, prompting UN and Amnesty International to call for urgent security improvements and effective protection for civilians.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/haiti-gang-attack-in-artibonite-leaves-at-least-11-dead

### 2026-09-28: Artibonite, Haiti: At least 11 killed in gang retaliation

At least 11 people were killed in Haiti's Artibonite region in a gang reprisal following a security operation by the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gros-morne-gang-attacks-leave-at-least-20-dead-in-haiti

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Cite as: Escalating gang violence in Haiti's Artibonite region. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gang-violence-in-haitis-artibonite-region