20 dead, thousands flee homes as gangs battle in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Criminal violence in Haiti worsened this week with fighting among gangs in part of the capital chasing thousands from their homes and killing at least 20 people, including children.

Haiti's Civil Protection Agency said the fighting began Sunday in four neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince, north of the international airport.

At least a dozen homes were burned down and many of those who fled initially took shelter in the yard of a local mayor's office.

The eruption comes amid a spike in violence and kidnappings as gangs grow more powerful and seek to control more territory amid the power vacuum following the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

The situation has angered and frustrated Haitians, who are demanding action from Prime Minister Ariel Henry's administration, which is receiving international help to boost an underfunded and understaffed police force.

A family of eight, including six children, was among those killed since Sunday, authorities said Wednesday.

Schools and businesses in the area remain closed as thousands of families with children are camping in a park near a local mayor's office.

“They need water, food, supplies,” said Jean Raymond Dorcely, who runs a small grassroots community organization.

“They had to leave with nothing in their hands.”

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