47 Killed in Overnight Gang Raid Near Haiti’s Capital

At least 47 people were killed and 22 injured in an overnight gang raid on Kenscoff, a community overlooking Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince, the United Nations said Monday. Haitian rights group RNDDH estimated 30 to 40 deaths and 15 to 20 wounded, though a full count remains difficult.

Kenscoff has endured a dozen gang attacks since last year, forcing thousands to flee. The area overlooks key routes into the capital and Petion-Ville, home to embassies and the government’s temporary seat.

Despite the government calling the attack “heinous” and vowing reinforced security, residents are demanding the local police chief resign, saying officers failed to protect people killed minutes from the police station. National police chief Vladimir Paraison defended his officers, saying, “The police never gave up.”

“My family are victims,” said resident Coriolan Kendy, standing beside his cousin’s body. “People in Kenscoff are suffering and the government is to blame.”

More than 260 people were killed in Kenscoff over two months in early 2025, with nearly a dozen attacks since, including rapes, kidnappings, and arson.

The violence deepens concerns over Haiti’s ability to hold long-delayed elections in December, its first in a decade. A UN-backed Gang Suppression Force aims to reach 5,500 troops by autumn.

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