United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday condemned the reported killing of at least 40 people during an attack by armed gangs in a fishing village north of Haiti’s capital.

Local outlets in Haiti reported that the assault took place Thursday night in the community of Labodrie, underscoring the continued spread of gang violence beyond Port-au-Prince.

“The Secretary-General is alarmed by the levels of violence rocking Haiti and urges the Haitian authorities to ensure that perpetrators of these and all other human rights abuses and violations are brought to justice,” the United Nations said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the National Police declined to comment on the alleged killings.

According to local reports, gangs set fire to Labodrie following the killing of a gang leader known as Vladimir. He was affiliated with Viv Ansanm, an alliance designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in May.

The U.S. State Department has said Viv Ansanm is one of the main drivers of instability and violence in the country. The alliance’s members have seized control of large parts of Port-au-Prince and expanded their reach into nearby regions.

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With inputs from Reuters

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