Armed gangs expand attacks in new areas of Haiti

Haiti.- On January 27, 2025, heavily armed gangs attacked the Kenscoff municipality, located in the hills above Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The gangs, originating from the commune of Carrefour, targeted several areas within Kenscoff, including Bellot, Goder, and Le Montcel, causing widespread panic as they set homes on fire. The Haitian National Police (PNH) responded by deploying specialized units to the area, claiming to have killed several attackers and repelled the assault. Local residents, forming self-defense groups armed with machetes, are determined to prevent the gangs from taking control of their town.

According to EFE Agency, the gangs are aiming to seize control of Kenscoff as part of a larger strategy to dominate the nearby commune of Petion-Ville. In response, the PNH has intensified operations to locate and neutralize the armed groups, reinforcing the local police station and urging the public to assist by providing information. Police spokesperson Michel-Ange Louis-Jeune stated that no area has fallen to the gangs and that operations will continue until the threat is eliminated.

In light of the recent violence, the Kenscoff City Council imposed several measures, including a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., a ban on motorcycles, and restrictions on business hours. These actions aim to bolster security and encourage citizen vigilance. Social media has been rife with rumors of further gang attacks, prompting the local authorities to call for heightened awareness and cooperation. The violence in Haiti has escalated, with over 5,600 deaths in 2024 attributed to criminal gangs, a significant increase from the previous year.