Residents killed overnight not far from police station in Haiti
Hundreds of Haitians have been killed in frequent gang raids, with a fresh attack prompting thousands to flee their homes.
In a devastating night-time attack near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, over 40 residents were killed in a violent gang raid. The neighborhood of Kenscoff, overlooking the city, has endured a dozen gang attacks since last year, prompting thousands to flee their homes. The latest assault, which began around 10:30 pm local time on Monday, resulted in 47 fatalities and 22 injuries.
The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, tasked with combating gang violence alongside local police, is aiming to grow to over 5,500 personnel. Rights groups estimate between 30 to 40 people were killed, though the exact number is still unclear. The police chief, facing criticism over the lack of protection, has been urged to resign.
Despite denials of blame, the government pledged to strengthen security, while residents demanded his removal. The prime minister's office reaffirmed their commitment to restoring order. Prior attacks in early 2025 resulted in over 260 deaths and destroyed 200 homes, leaving 3,000 people homeless. Additional assaults have occurred since, including violent crimes and arson.
The community remains traumatized, with residents blaming the government for failing to ensure their safety.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
