World News
At least 30 killed in Haitian gang attack near Port-au-Prince
Members of the Viv Ansanm coalition targeted a farming community in Kenscoff as the government promises security reinforcements.
The short version
- At least 30 people were killed after armed gangs attacked a farming community in Kenscoff, south of Port-au-Prince.
- Homes, a church, and the property of a prominent public health expert were set on fire during the assault.
- Haiti's government condemned the violence and announced the deployment of security reinforcements to the area.
- The escalation comes as the nation attempts to prepare for its first general elections in over a decade despite widespread insecurity.
Key facts
- At least 30 residents were killed when armed men attacked the Kenscoff community late on Sunday.[Al Jazeera]
- Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon attributed the attack to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, which set homes and a church ablaze.[Al Jazeera]
- The home of leading public health expert Jean William Pape was among the structures targeted during the raid.[Al Jazeera]
- Haiti's prime minister's office publicly condemned the attack and stated that security reinforcements are being deployed to Kenscoff.[Al Jazeera]
- Gangs currently control approximately 70 percent of Port-au-Prince, and UN figures show gang violence has displaced 1.5 million people across the nation.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether security conditions will permit Haiti to hold planned general elections in January as intended.[Al Jazeera]
- The UN-backed gang suppression force tasked with aiding local police has not yet reached its intended capacity of 5,500 personnel.[Al Jazeera]