Haiti gang raid leaves 47 dead, residents demand stronger protections

Kenscoff, a hillside town overlooking Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince, was the scene of a deadly gang raid that left at least 47 people dead and 22 injured, according to the United Nations. The attack, which occurred overnight, has sparked outrage over the lack of protection from frequent deadly assaults. The hillside community has endured a dozen previous attacks by armed gangs since last year, leading thousands to flee their homes.

Despite efforts by foreign nations to strengthen the country's under-equipped police force, powerful gangs with broad alliances have maintained their influence over Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions. Haitian rights group RNDDH reported a range of 30 to 40 fatalities and 15 to 20 wounded in the raid, but acknowledged assessing a definitive count proved difficult.

As the government condemned the "heinous attack" and pledged to bolster security, residents called for the local police chief to resign, alleging that officers failed to safeguard the community just minutes away from the station. The prime minister's office vowed to restore government authority without compromise, while residents expressed distress and blamed the government for their suffering.

Some claimed that several dozen police attempted to resist the armed men during the night, with several sustaining injuries. They also stated they did not identify any gang members among the deceased. Local media reported that several houses, including the residence of public health expert Jean William Pape, were burned. National police chief Vladimir Paraison assured residents that the police would not falter.

The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, tasked with assisting police in combating gangs, aims to reach a size of over 5,500 troops by autumn. However, the force's spokesperson did not provide immediate information on whether the troops would bolster security in Kenscoff.