Gang clashes in Haiti leave 20 dead

Port-au-Prince, April 28: Gang clashes in the Haiti capital have resulted inf at least 20 deaths and displaced thousands, Haiti’s civil protection agency said on Thursday. “On Sunday, April 24, powerful clashes between the gangs of 400 Mawozo and Chen Mechan caused panic among the population and resulted in displacement of thousands of people including families with young children,” a statement said. According to recent reports, at least 20 civilians were killed from April 24 to 26, including a family of eight, three young women and three children, it said. The French Doctors Without Borders admitted 22 people with injuries at their hospital in Tabarre. In October 2021, 17 Christian missionaries — 16 US nationals and one Canadian, including five children — were abducted and taken hostage during a trip to an orphanage outside of Port-au-Prince. The missionaries were reportedly kidnapped by the notorious armed gang called 400 Mawozo, which is known for extorting businesses and ransoming kidnapped victims. In November, two of the 17 abducted, reported to be sick adults, were released, with no ransom paid. In early December, three more abductees were set free. UNI