At Least 30 Dead in Gang Attack on Strategic Area Near Haiti's Capital

▲ Gang violence in Haiti

At least 30 people were killed in a random gang attack in Kenscoff, an area near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, local newspapers and Reuters reported on August 24 (local time).

According to the reports, gang members broke into the village of Kenscoff around 10:30 p.m. the previous night and indiscriminately set fire to homes, churches, and private residences while opening fire on residents until dawn the next morning.

Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon estimated that at least 30 people died, stating, "It is impossible to get an accurate death toll because the village is inaccessible and there are communication outages."

Human rights organizations and other groups estimated that 30 to 40 people were killed and 15 to 20 others were injured in the attack.

The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on the same day, emphasizing, "We will never abandon Kenscoff," and adding, "We will restore government authority throughout Kenscoff without weakness and without delay."

Kenscoff is a strategic gateway on the route to Pétion-Ville, where embassies and luxury hotels are located, and connects the capital to the southern region.

Haiti has experienced continuous gang violence after losing the functions of its executive branch following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Gangs have taken control of more than 70 percent of the capital, committing crimes such as looting, kidnapping, and sexual assault, while expanding their influence into rural areas.

To improve security in Haiti, which has turned into a lawless zone, a UN-backed multinational force and 5,500 police officers are scheduled to be deployed by this fall.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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