Haiti: deadly gang attack in Kenscoff leaves at least 20 dead

Haiti.- At least 20 people were killed in an armed gang attack in Kenscoff, east of Port-au-Prince, during the night of August 23–24, according to EFE. Some Haitian media outlets reported that the death toll could be as high as 40. The violence prompted the Haitian government to place security forces on maximum alert.

The attack in the Kenscoff commune involved armed groups setting fire to homes and vehicles as residents fled the area. EFE reported finding at least 20 bodies in areas accessible to its journalists, while gunfire and explosions continued elsewhere.

Police were deployed to repel the attackers, but the violence reportedly left additional people injured and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes. A church being used as a shelter for people displaced by previous violence was also targeted.

Several prominent Haitians were reportedly among those affected, including Dr. William Pape, founder of the Gheskio health centers, whose home was attacked.

The Haitian government condemned the violence and announced the deployment of additional security forces to restore state authority in Kenscoff. Authorities did not provide an official death toll but pledged that the area would not be abandoned to armed groups.

The attack is reportedly linked to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, which is seeking to expand its control in Kenscoff, a strategically located area near Haiti’s Southeast department and the city of Jacmel.