Haiti Gang Wars Kill 20; Thousands of Families Caught in Crossfire

At least 20 people from Haiti were reported dead on Wednesday following the gang wars that continue to occur in the four neighborhoods of the country's capital, Port-au-Prince.

According to Associated Press, the fighting between gangs reportedly sparked on Sunday, in the neighborhoods north of the country's international airport. The number of casualties in the recent gang wars was confirmed by Haiti's Civil Protection Agency.

A family of eight, including six children, was among those killed since the fight between gangs started.

Resident Lucien, who lives in the northern slums, told AFP on Wednesday that armed men from the 400 Mawozo gang set fire to his house and killed several of his neighbors before they also set fire to their residences, via France 24.

"They rape women and girls when they manage to get into a house," Lucien added.

The residents of Port-au-Prince were not the only ones affected by the siege between gangs in Haiti. Associated Press mentioned that one bullet had also hit an empty United Nations humanitarian Air Service Helicopter that is stationed near the airport.

The Miami Herald also mentioned residents claiming that the fight between gangs also affected the operations of the public transportation and street markets between Croix-des-Missions and Bon Repos.

"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 the main road leading to Haiti's northern region could be cut off as a result of the gang wars.

Haiti: Thousands of Families Displaced Over Fighting of Gangs

Reports claim that thousands of people from the country's capital were displaced due to the gang wars that started on Sunday. The specific number of displaced locals from Port-au-Prince was not mentioned by authorities.

AP noted that families with children stayed at a park near a local mayor's office.

According to the Miami Herald, over 20,000 Haitians were displaced from their homes in Martissant and surrounding communities. The said community is located in the southern part of the country's capital.

France 24 added that residents were also placed in dire straits, with some of the locals claiming that they have no food and water.

One young woman was mentioned by the outlet claiming that they can't get any medicine for his father who is in critical condition. The father was reportedly suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.

"We are in a situation where the only thing you can think about is your security. Not schooling, not anything else. There is no living here. The insecurity situation has paralyzed the country. ... If you don't have a need to go out in Haiti, you don't go out," Haiti's leading human rights defender Pierre Esperance told the Miami Herald.

What Gangs Are Responsible for the Violence in Haiti?

According to the Civil Protection Agency, this week's violence in Haiti's capital centered on the 400 Mawozo gangs and the Chen Mechan gang.

Reports did not mention what was the issue that ignited the fight between the rival groups.

The Miami Herald noted that a voice note circulating on social media warned the Haitian Police to stay away from their fight.

A statement from Haiti's Ombudsman-like Citizen Protection Office has condemned the gang wars that continue in the capital. The office criticized the political leaders, claiming that their inaction and silence brought a "form of cynicism or contempt for human rights," specifically the right to life and security of the people.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Gang Violence Running Rampant Throughout Haiti - From CBS News