Haiti: Gang attack near capital kills 47, dozens kidnapped

The United Nations confirmed at least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped when gang gunmen attacked a community once considered peaceful near Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince over the weekend. A gang leader has threatened to kill hostages if security forces kill any members of the group in an effort to regain control of the Kenscoff area, which sits on hills above the capital.

Sunday's attack punctured hopes that security in the Caribbean nation was improving. Romain Le Cour, head of the Haiti observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, said: "This is a major political and security test – for the government, the police, and even the international forces."

In a video posted on social media, the gang leader warned Haiti's national police director, Vladimir Paraison, against using drones to suppress armed groups in the area. "Paraison, if any of our people are hurt, I will kill all of them," he said, referring to the hostages.

He identifies himself as Izo 2, a reference to Izo, or Johnson André, one of Haiti's most powerful gang bosses. Le Cour said Izo 2 is also known as Didi and runs the armed group in Kenscoff on behalf of, and in coordination with, Izo and other gang leaders. "He's operating a kind of franchise branch for other gangs," Le Cour said.

Le Cour suggested the attack may be intended to force Haiti's police and the UN-backed anti-gang forces to spread their already limited resources. "They don't have enough personnel," he said. "If you force them to deploy more troops, it's definitely going to come from other areas."

The attack could also be a show of strength and a message to the government and police as the country prepares for general elections on December 13, its first in over a decade. Le Cour said: "This is a message to the government and the police that their protective claims don't match reality. The gangs are saying: when we choose to attack, we can and we will succeed."

The first major attack on Kenscoff occurred in January 2025, with sporadic attacks in the mountains around the city center since then. Sunday's attack was the largest to date.

According to the UN Office in Haiti (BINUH), at least 5 of the 47 dead were children. Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon said two government employees were among the dead, including his cousin, who had served on his security detail.

He also said members of Viv Ansanm, a powerful gang alliance designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US, set fire to 25 homes. Massillon said gangs are still moving around the outskirts of Kenscoff: "The brutality of this crime reminds us that we must continue to work harder every day to bring peace to the community. I am optimistic the state will continue its efforts to eliminate gangs in Kenscoff."

Some survivors accuse the government of failing to provide adequate protection before the attack. Police have denied these accusations. Le Cour said if police and armored vehicles were indeed stationed in Kenscoff before the attack, that would be deeply concerning. "You let the gangs in even when everything is ready?" he asked.

Gunmen now control about 70% of Port-au-Prince and large parts of central Haiti, and gang violence has displaced a record 1.5 million people nationwide. According to UN statistics released Tuesday, more than 3,050 people were recorded killed from January to June, with 1,400 others wounded.