Haiti gang attack kills 47, kidnaps over 50

Key facts

• At least 47 people were killed and over 50 kidnapped in a gang attack on Kenscoff, Haiti.
• The attack is considered one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years.
• A gang leader threatened to kill hostages if authorities attempt to rescue them.
• Five children were among the 47 fatalities.
• Gang members also set fire to 25 homes in the community.

At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped in a violent gang attack on Kenscoff, a community near Haiti’s capital, earlier this week, the United Nations reported Tuesday. The incident is believed to be one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years.

A gang leader, identified as Izo 2, who leads an armed group in Kenscoff on behalf of powerful gang leader Izo (Johnson André), threatened to kill the hostages if authorities kill any gang members. In a social media video, the leader warned Vladimir Paraison, director of Haiti’s National Police, against using drones to repel gangs in the area.

Romain Le Cour, head of Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, suggested the hostage threat is a trap designed to paralyze authorities. He also stated the attack could be a tactic to force the dispersal of limited police and international mission resources, or a message to the government about the gangs' capabilities ahead of upcoming general elections.

Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon confirmed that five of the 47 fatalities were children and that two government employees, including his cousin, were among the dead. He also reported that gang members set fire to 25 homes. Gangs are reportedly still active on Kenscoff’s periphery.

Gang violence has displaced a record 1.5 million people across Haiti. According to UN statistics, over 3,050 people were killed and 1,400 injured from January to June. The UN also reported nearly 800 rapes from April to June, with 87% being collective rapes, and at least 81 kidnappings during the same period, noting that many relatives negotiate directly with kidnappers.