Anger mounts in Haiti as new attack shows power held by gang coalition
At least 47 people were killed in a farming community near Port-au-Prince after the area was attacked by a gang coalition. For the gang, the goal is to get their hands on a highly strategic area near the Haitian capital. But how could they have led such a violent attack? FRANCE 24's Catherine Norris-Trent tells us more.
In Kenscoff, a community near Haiti's capital, at least 47 people were killed and over 50 kidnapped when armed men attacked the area, according to the UN. The attack, described as a "massacre," shattered the belief that security in the Caribbean nation was improving. One of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders, Izo 2, threatened to kill hostages and police if authorities tried to secure the community.
Izo 2, also known as Didi, led the armed group in Kenscoff on behalf of other gang leaders. The attack may have been an attempt to force authorities to disperse resources, potentially at the expense of other areas. This is the largest attack on Kenscoff since January 2025, with sporadic attacks occurring in the hills surrounding the city center.
At least five victims were children, according to the UN. The gang coalition Viv Ansanm, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US, also set fire to 25 homes. Mayor Jean Massillon of Kenscoff stated that two government employees, including his cousin, were among the fatalities. The attack has raised concerns about the adequacy of government protection, with some survivors accusing the police of failing to provide sufficient safety measures.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
