New gang fighting in Haiti kills 20, displaces thousands

Fighting among gangs in recent days killed at least 20 people, wounded nearly two dozen and caused thousands to flee their homes, Haiti's Civil Protection Agency said Wednesday.

Officials said the fighting between 400 Mawozos and Chiens Méchants began on Sunday in the neighborhoods of Croix-des-Bouquets.

At least a dozen homes were burned down as thousands of people fled their communities, with some temporarily staying in the yard of a local mayor’s office.

A family of eight, including six children, was among those killed since Sunday, authorities said. Schools and businesses in the area remain closed as thousands of families with children temporarily stay in a park.

“The conflict is likely to escalate in the coming days, leading to further casualties and new population migrations,” the Civil Protection Agency said.

Officials warned that main roads leading to Haiti’s northern region could be cut off as a result of the fighting.