PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Clashes between self-defense groups and the Viv Ansanm gang alliance escalate in Port-au-Prince.
Between 8 and 11 February, the Kraze Baryè gang — affiliated with the Viv Asanm coalition — attacked several neighbourhoods in Pétion-Ville commune in Port-au-Prince, destroying and looting civilian houses and forcing residents to flee the area. Police, supported by self-defence groups, responded to the attacks, killing several gang members in the subsequent clashes.
In retaliation, on 16 February, gunmen affiliated with Kraze Baryè gang killed at least 20 people in an attack against community members they believed to have joined anti-gang actions.12 The rise in gang violence in Pétion-Ville led to the highest number of violent incidents recorded in this commune since March 2024.
Actions by self-defence groups to support police and push back gangs also led to deadly clashes in other communes of the capital. On 24 February, Kraze Baryè and other allies of Viv Ansanm clashed with self-defence groups in Delmas and Tabarre communes, leaving at least 12 and 15 people dead in two separate clashes.
Meanwhile, gangs continued to attack rural communities of Kenscoff commune, notably targeting telecommunication antennas in the area. Gangs have coveted Kenscoff due to its elevated position offering a commanding view of Port-au-Prince. The control of this upscale commune would enable gangs to expand their extortion revenue and gain control of the capital’s last remaining exit route.
Gang actions in Port-au-Prince drove the 20 percent increase in overall violence in February relative to the month prior.