At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped in a weekend gang attack on Kenscoff, a community near Haiti's capital, according to the UN. A gang leader has threatened to kill the hostages if authorities kill any gang members.
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Key facts
- At least 47 people were killed in the attack, according to the UN.
- More than 50 people were kidnapped during the assault.
- The attack targeted Kenscoff, a once peaceful community in the hills above Port-au-Prince.
- Homes were set alight during the assault.
- A gang leader has threatened to kill hostages if authorities kill any gang members.
At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped when armed men attacked a community near Haiti’s capital over the weekend, the United Nations has said.
The assault targeted Kenscoff, a once peaceful community nestled in the hills above Port-au-Prince, according to the Guardian. Homes were set alight during the attack.
A gang leader has threatened to kill the hostages if authorities kill any gang members as they attempt to secure the community, the Guardian reported.
The killings add to a pattern of mass violence carried out by gangs in Haiti, which the Guardian described as a massacre.
Why it matters
The attack underscores the deepening security crisis in Haiti, where gangs have expanded their control and carried out mass killings and kidnappings. The threat against hostages highlights the difficult choices facing authorities trying to restore order without triggering further loss of life.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed in the Kenscoff attack?
According to the UN, at least 47 people were killed in the attack.
How many people were kidnapped?
More than 50 people were kidnapped during the assault, the UN said.
Where did the attack take place?
The attack targeted Kenscoff, a once peaceful community nestled in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital.
Timeline
- At least 47 killed and dozens kidnapped in gang attack near Haiti capital
The Guardian World: Gang leader threatens to kill hostages after attack in Kenscoff in which homes were also set alight ‘A massacre’: Haiti gangs carrying out mass killings At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped when armed men attacked a once peaceful community near Haiti’s