Armed gang kills at least 47 in attack near Port‑au‑Prince
Attack in Kenscoff near Port‑au‑Prince left dozens dead and dozens more injured; authorities and human rights monitors give different casualty figures.
An armed gang attacked a neighbourhood near Port-au-Prince overnight, killing at least 47 people and wounding 22 others, authorities said.
The assault has intensified anger among residents of Kenscoff, who say repeated deadly strikes have left them without effective protection. Kenscoff sits on roads leading into the Haitian capital and has been the target of multiple attacks since last year, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
Casualty estimates and immediate impact
The Haitian human rights organisation RNDDH reported a lower provisional toll, saying between 30 and 40 people were killed and 15 to 20 injured, and warned it remains difficult to determine the exact number of victims. The United Nations said the death toll could still rise. The attack began at about 22:30 local time.
The Government of Haiti condemned the assault as "horrific" and promised to step up security in the area. Residents demanded the resignation of the local police chief, accusing officers of failing to protect the neighbourhood despite the attack occurring just minutes from the police station. "Kenscoff will not be abandoned," the prime minister's office wrote on social media.
Powerful armed groups, aligned into broader alliances, have expanded their control in Port-au-Prince and surrounding districts for years. This has occurred despite efforts by foreign partners to strengthen the Haitian National Police, which continues to face shortages of personnel and equipment.
The government said it will take measures to restore state authority in the area. Local and international agencies warn the humanitarian and security situation in the region remains fragile as aftershocks from the attack spread through the displaced population.
Photo: Printskrin / Iks/@passioninfoplus
