In a statement released by his spokesman, the UN chief insisted on the need to support the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).

“These efforts must be supported,” Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesman, stressed during his regular briefing.

The UN representative called on member states to ensure that the MMS receives the financial and logistical assistance it needs to succeed.

The UN Human Rights Office, in turn estimated that more than 70 people were killed, including women and children, and nearly 3,000 people were displaced after gunmen from the Gran Grif gang attacked Pont-Sonde, in the department of Artibonite.

Another 16 people, including two gang members who were hit during an exchange of fire with Haitian police, were seriously injured during the attack the agency added.

The office reported damage to at least 45 houses and 34 cars.

“Members of the Gran Grif gang used automatic rifles to fire on the population, killing at least 70 people, including some 10 women and three babies,” a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement.

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