News
Haiti Gang Attack Leaves 47 Dead, More Than 50 Kidnapped as UN Chief Condemns Violence
At least 47 people, including five children, have been killed and more than 50 others kidnapped in a brutal gang attack in Kenscoff, on the outskirts of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
The United Nations confirmed the casualties on Tuesday, describing the incident as a stark indication of the worsening security crisis gripping the Caribbean nation.
The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday when armed gang members stormed communities in Kenscoff, killing residents and abducting dozens of people. Survivors were forced to flee their homes with whatever belongings they could carry.
The mass kidnapping is believed to be among the largest reported in Haiti in recent years.
A gang leader, in a video circulated on social media, reportedly threatened to kill the hostages if members of Haiti’s National Police were injured during any rescue operation.
“If any of our soldiers are hurt, I will kill all of them,” he warned.
One survivor told the Associated Press that his brother, stepmother, stepfather and two cousins were among those abducted. He also said his 16-year-old niece was kidnapped and raped before managing to escape.
Describing the aftermath, the survivor said he had to run over bodies while fleeing the area.
“I can’t sleep knowing all these people died,” he said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, saying it further highlighted the “alarming security conditions” in Haiti and the urgent need for strengthened domestic and international security efforts.
Through his spokesman, Guterres called on Haitian authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, including through specialised judicial units established with international support to investigate mass atrocities.
The latest attack underscores the growing power of armed gangs in Haiti, where widespread violence, kidnappings and killings have continued to threaten civilians and deepen the country’s humanitarian and security crisis.
