PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) – The United States says Haiti and the international community must work together to deal with the ‘terrorist’ gangs operating in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country following last weekend’s massacre in Labodrie, a small village located between Arcahaie and Cabaret that left more than 40 people dead.

“We are deeply saddened by the violent incident that claimed the lives of Haitians in Laboderie. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the US Embassy here said in a statement.

“The United States strongly condemns the terrorist gangs behind this senseless attack. Haitians and the international community must work together to stop the terrorist gangs that continue to cause death and destruction with no regard for their compatriots or their country,” it added.

Criminal groups affiliated with the criminal coalition “Viv Ansanm” are being blamed for the massacre, as they fired indiscriminately at residents they accused of being police informants.

According to a provisional report by Baptiste Joseph Louis, president of the Administrative Council of the Communal Sections (CASEC) of Boucassin, at least 42 bodies had already been counted, including children.

Houses have been burned and according to witnesses, the attack was in retaliation for the death of Vladimyr Pierre, alias “Vlad” the second leader of the Cabaret gang, and several of his men, killed on September 7 during clashes with law enforcement.

Tensions remain high, with residents fearing a new wave of executions.

“The Delegation of the European Union and the French and Spanish Embassies in Haiti have also “strongly condemn” the attack.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. The indiscriminate violence against the civilian population must stop. Those responsible for these acts must be identified and brought to justice. We call on the Haitian authorities to quickly establish specialized judicial units against financial crimes and mass crimes,” said the European Union.

The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has also condemned the weekend murders expressing “heartfelt condolences” to the victims’ families and urged Haitian authorities to pursue justice.

Guterres is calling on member states to accelerate efforts to strengthen the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) by providing it with the necessary logistics, personnel, and funding to effectively support the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence in Haiti, in full compliance with international human rights law.