Violence Escalates in Haiti: Over 47 Dead in Gang Attack
By Editor • August 26, 2026 • 1 min read
The recent gang raid in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, has left a devastating toll of at least 47 dead and over 50 abducted, according to a statement from the United Nations. This incident, which occurred on August 23, has sparked outrage as it marks one of the largest mass kidnappings in the country’s troubled history.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Haiti and calling for urgent measures to combat gang activities. The mayor of Kenscoff, Jean Massillon, described the chaos as armed assailants torched homes and targeted civilians, including a local church and the residence of notable public health expert Jean William Pape.
Massillon pointed fingers at the Viv Ansanm gang, recently designated as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government. Amid governmental condemnation of the attack, residents have expressed dissatisfaction with local law enforcement, demanding accountability from the police chief after victims were killed near a police station.
As the community mourns, the prime minister's office has promised to restore order, stating that the district “will not be abandoned.” However, the threat of gang retaliation looms, as highlighted by a gang leader's ominous warning directed at the national police.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
