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At least 47 killed and over 50 kidnapped in gang attack near Haiti's capital

Members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition set fire to homes and abducted dozens in Kenscoff, threatening hostages as security forces respond.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 18:20 UTC3 reports

The short version

Armed gang members attacked the hill community of Kenscoff near Port-au-Prince on Sunday, killing at least 47 people, kidnapping over 50 others, and burning 25 homes.
A gang leader self-identified as Izo 2 released a video threatening to execute the hostages if Haitian police or international forces harm gang members or deploy drones.
The assault marks one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years, putting severe pressure on police and the UN-backed security mission ahead of general elections set for December 13.

At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 kidnapped during an attack by armed gang members in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti stated that at least five children were among those killed.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon confirmed that two government employees died in the assault, and that members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition set fire to 25 homes.[Associated Press · ABC News]
A gang leader going by Izo 2 released a social media video threatening to kill all hostages if National Police Director Vladimir Paraison uses drones or harms gang personnel.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
The attack occurs ahead of Haiti's planned general elections scheduled for December 13.[Associated Press · The Guardian]

Some survivors alleged the government failed to provide adequate security in Kenscoff prior to the raid, an assertion rejected by Haiti's National Police.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
Local authorities cautioned that details remain fluid as gang members continue to operate around the edges of Kenscoff.[Associated Press]