A powerful gang coalition attacked a farming community near Haiti’s capital, killing multiple residents and setting homes on fire, according to Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon.
Armed men raided the community late Sunday, targeting homes and a church in the hills above Port-au-Prince. Officials have not confirmed the final death toll because difficult access and communication problems have slowed efforts to assess the damage.
Residents discovered bodies across the streets early Monday. Survivors searched for relatives as emergency workers and local residents tried to recover those killed in the attack.
Residents Describe Deadly Gang Attack
The violence left families searching for missing relatives. Robert Jean said he heard gunfire before dawn and tried to wake people so they could escape.
Jean later discovered that his brother had died. He said he had been calling people to make sure they were safe but could not find his brother.
Farmer Mathurin Pierre, 41, told the Associated Press that he lost 14 loved ones. He also said an unknown number of people remained missing.
Another resident, Verti Enold-Saint, blamed the government for failing to provide enough security. He said a stronger police presence and an armored vehicle could have prevented the attack.
Viv Ansanm Blamed for Kenscoff Attack
Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon blamed members of Viv Ansanm for the violence. The U.S. government designated the gang coalition as a foreign terrorist organization last year.
Massillon said the attackers targeted homes and a church. Some of the homes reportedly belonged to Dr. Jean “Bill” Pape, a prominent Haitian doctor who runs a nonprofit organization that provides medical assistance, including treatment for HIV and tuberculosis patients.
A spokesperson for the U.N.-backed gang suppression force did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Haiti Government Promises Security Response
Haiti’s government condemned the attack as a heinous criminal act. Officials said they had ordered security forces to pursue those responsible.
The government also said it was sending reinforcements to Kenscoff. Officials insisted that the community would not be abandoned and urged residents to remain confident.
Gangs currently control an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince, according to available estimates. Viv Ansanm has repeatedly attacked areas around Kenscoff.
Gang Violence Displaces Millions
The latest attack comes as Haiti faces one of its worst security crises in years. Gang violence has displaced about 1.5 million people across the country.
U.N. figures show that more than 3,100 people died between January and June. Another 1,189 people suffered injuries during the same period.
The violence has also complicated Haiti’s political future. The country plans to hold general elections on December 13, its first national vote in more than a decade.
Authorities have started registering voters in Port-au-Prince and other areas. However, security experts warn that continuing gang violence could make it difficult to hold credible elections.
U.S. Deportations Add to Haiti’s Challenges
The Kenscoff attack occurred less than a week after the United States deported more than 160 people to Haiti.
The deportations followed a legal battle over the end of Temporary Protected Status for some 350,000 Haitians. Haiti’s government said some of those deported had held TPS status.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the group deported Friday included several people with criminal records. The department cited offenses ranging from assault to drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, Haiti faces the immediate challenge of protecting communities such as Kenscoff from further attacks. The latest violence has renewed concerns about whether security forces can regain control of areas threatened by powerful gangs.
