Tragic events unfolded in Haiti on Saturday, resulting in the loss of at least seven lives, as reported by the local human rights organization CARDH, according to Reuters.

A Haiti gang wielding machine guns, in control of a northern suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince, unleashed gunfire upon a protest orchestrated by a Christian church leader.

Although initial local media accounts indicated a death toll of at least 10, CARDH director Gedeon Jean has expressed concerns that the final count may surpass these figures.

Numerous individuals sustained injuries, and unsettlingly, reports surfaced of church attendees being abducted.

Videos circulated on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, portrayed approximately 100 individuals clad in yellow shirts that symbolize the religious affiliation of Pastor Marco, embarking on a march within the suburb of Canaan.

Unverified footage spread across social media platforms, depicting scenes of people being targeted by gunfire in the streets, lifeless bodies strewn on the ground, and individuals who appeared to be hostages sharing their disbelief that the march, which they perceived as peaceful, was unexpectedly transformed into a confrontation with the gang.

In response to the escalating violence, many Haitians have aligned with civilian self-defense groups called "Bwa Kale."

While imbuing a sense of optimism, this movement has also triggered retaliatory actions against civilians and raised concerns that these groups may inadvertently contribute to further turmoil.

READ NEXT: Haiti Kidnapping: Protests Erupt 

The Haiti Gang Responsible for the Shooting

Canaan, the suburb in question, falls under the control of a gang led by an individual known solely as "Jeff," suspected of having affiliations with the "5 Seconds" gang, AP reports.

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, gangs have grown in power, and they currently exert influence over an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince.

Gédéon Jean, the director of Haiti's Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, observed the unfolding events online.

He intends to petition the Ministry of Justice to investigate the matter.

Jean leveled accusations of irresponsibility at the pastor, asserting that he had "put them in a situation like this" by involving a group of people.

Despite the parishioners brandishing machetes and chanting "Free Canaan!" their efforts proved futile against gang members armed with assault rifles. Jean expressed that the police should have intervened to prevent such a situation, describing it as "extremely horrible for the state to let something like this happen."

Gang Violence in Haiti

Haiti's profound challenges, characterized by decades of instability, natural disasters, and economic struggles, have positioned it as one of the world's most impoverished and violent nations, per BBC.

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Haiti gang violence has experienced a sharp escalation.

This unfortunate turn of events has resulted in a substantial portion of the country's territory slipping beyond government control, leading to approximately 80% of the capital city under various gangs' sway.

The ensuing territorial disputes have triggered a range of dire consequences, including a rise in refugee numbers, acute shortages of food, and a surge in violent crimes such as homicides, kidnappings, and sexual violence.

UN rights office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani revealed alarming statistics, indicating that between August 15, 2023, at least 2,439 Haitians lost their lives, 902 sustained injuries, and 951 were subjected to kidnappings.

Notably, the UN reports more than 350 fatalities since the inception of the uprising in April.

READ MORE: Culture of Haiti: Here's What You Need to Know 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Haiti violence: Several killed as gang open fire on protesters - From Al Jazeera English