1 week ago
Haiti Gang Raid Kills Dozens as Residents Demand Protection
Armed gangs attacked Kenscoff, a hillside community near Haiti’s capital.
The attack happened overnight and began at about 10:30 p.m.
The United Nations said 47 people died and 22 were injured.
A local mayor and a rights group reported different numbers, estimating 30 to 40 deaths and 15 to 20 injuries.
Several houses were reportedly set on fire.
Residents said the police did not protect them and asked the local police chief to leave.
The government called the attack terrible and promised to send more security forces.
Kenscoff has suffered many earlier attacks that forced thousands of people from their homes.
The violence could also make it harder for Haiti to hold a planned election in December.
The United Nations reported 47 deaths and 22 injuries, while Mayor Jean Massillon and rights group RNDDH gave lower casualty estimates.
The overnight raid in Kenscoff began around 10:30 p.m. local time, with local media reporting that several homes were burned.
Residents accused authorities of failing to protect them and called for the local police chief to resign.
Kenscoff has endured repeated gang attacks, including more than 260 deaths and 3,000 displacements during violence earlier in 2025.
The government promised reinforcements as the U.N.-backed Gang Suppression Force prepares to expand beyond 5,500 troops.
- Who
- Armed gangs attacked Kenscoff residents; the United Nations, Mayor Jean Massillon and rights group RNDDH reported differing casualty figures, while residents criticized local authorities.
- What
- An overnight gang raid killed and injured dozens of people and reportedly involved arson.
- Where
- Kenscoff, a hillside community overlooking Port-au-Prince, routes into Petion-Ville and a major road toward southern Haiti.
- When
- The raid began around 10:30 p.m. local time on August 24 reports.
- Why
- No specific motive was reported; the attack occurred amid repeated gang violence and expanding gang influence around Haiti’s capital.
Government and Police Officials
Residents and Rights Group
Security response
Government and Police Officials
The prime minister’s office called the raid a heinous attack, promised reinforcements and said government authority would be restored in Kenscoff. National police chief Vladimir Paraison said police never gave up during the attack.
Residents and Rights Group
Residents said police failed to protect people killed near the police station and demanded that the local police chief resign.
Responsibility for insecurity
Government and Police Officials
The government said security forces were on high alert and additional forces were being deployed to respond to the violence.
Residents and Rights Group
Residents including Coriolan Kendy blamed the government for failing to stop repeated attacks and protect Kenscoff.
Casualty figures
Government and Police Officials
The United Nations reported 47 deaths and 22 injuries, while Mayor Jean Massillon reported at least 30 deaths.
Residents and Rights Group
RNDDH estimated 30 to 40 deaths and 15 to 20 injuries, warning that the full toll was difficult to determine.
Key facts
- United Nations casualty estimate
- 47 people killed and 22 injured; the United Nations said the estimates could change.
- Other casualty estimates
- Mayor Jean Massillon reported at least 30 deaths, while RNDDH estimated 30 to 40 deaths and 15 to 20 injuries.
- Attack timing
- The raid began around 10:30 p.m. local time, or 0230 GMT.
- Reported damage
- Several houses were reportedly set on fire, including the home of public health expert Jean William Pape.
- Earlier 2025 violence
- U.N. estimates say attacks during two months killed more than 260 people, destroyed or burned 200 homes and displaced 3,000 people.
- Government response
- Haiti’s government said security forces were on high alert and that reinforcements were being deployed.
- Planned international force
- The U.N.-backed Gang Suppression Force aims to reach more than 5,500 troops in autumn.
Quotes
Haiti’s prime minister’s office
The Haitian government office that condemned the attack and announced heightened security measures.
“Kenscoff will not be abandoned. The government’s authority will be restored, without weakness and without delay.”
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“The police never gave up”
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Coriolan Kendy
Kenscoff resident whose cousin was killed in the raid
“My family are victims. People in Kenscoff are suffering and the government is to blame.”
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“We live in humiliation and they do nothing for us.”
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Sources
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