Key facts
- A gang coalition attacked the farming community of Kenscoff, Haiti, late Sunday.
- Multiple residents were killed, and homes were set on fire.
- Mayor Jean Massillon identified the attackers as members of the Viv Ansanm coalition.
- The Haitian government condemned the attack and stated reinforcements are being deployed.
- Gangs control an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital.
A powerful gang coalition launched a violent assault on the farming community of Kenscoff, located in the hills above Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The attack, which occurred late Sunday, resulted in multiple deaths and homes being set ablaze, according to Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon. Access and communication difficulties have made it impossible to establish a definitive death toll.
Survivors described scenes of devastation on Monday morning, with bodies found in the streets. Residents recounted hearing gunfire before dawn and desperately trying to alert others to escape. One man reported losing 14 loved ones, with others still missing.
Mayor Massillon attributed the attack to members of Viv Ansanm, a gang coalition that the U.S. government designated as a foreign terrorist organization last year. He stated that gang members targeted a church and homes, including those belonging to Dr. Jean “Bill” Pape, who runs a non-governmental organization assisting patients with HIV and tuberculosis.
The Haitian government issued a statement condemning the attack and announced that reinforcements were being deployed to Kenscoff. Security forces have been ordered to pursue those responsible, with the government urging the population to remain confident.
Gangs are estimated to control approximately 70% of Port-au-Prince. Gang violence has displaced a record 1.5 million people across Haiti, with over 3,100 reported killed and 1,189 injured between January and June, according to UN statistics.
The attack follows the U.S. government's deportation of over 160 individuals to Haiti, including some Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, some of whom had criminal records. Haiti is scheduled to hold general elections on December 13, but experts have expressed concerns about the safety of conducting elections amid the ongoing violence.