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Gang Assault on Kenscoff Leaves 47 Dead and Dozens Taken Hostage

Alleged executions of civilians in a church signal a collapse of local security that has led to government deployments and international calls for a multinational response.

Overview

  • The assault that began Sunday night in the Kenscoff commune east of Port‑au‑Prince killed 47 people, the United Nations reported, saying 22 victims were allegedly executed inside a church where civilians had sought refuge.
  • More than 50 people were taken captive during the raid and a local gang leader known as Izo 2 or Didi released video threats to kill hostages if authorities mount an attack.
  • Attackers linked to the Viv Ansanm coalition set fires, burned dozens of homes, and damaged a clinic that serves HIV patients while survivors reported rape and mass violence.
  • Haiti’s government put security forces on maximum alert and sent reinforcements, and residents staged protests accusing authorities of failing to protect the community.
  • The massacre underscores widening gang control, large displacement and food insecurity in Haiti and has intensified UN and foreign calls for a coordinated multinational security and justice response.