**Haiti Gang Raid Death Toll Rises to 47, Over 50 Kidnapped in Kenscoff Attack**
*Kenscoff, Haiti – August 26, 2026* – A devastating gang raid in the town of Kenscoff, located near Port-au-Prince, has resulted in at least 47 fatalities, over 50 kidnappings, and 22 injuries, according to reports from the United Nations. This incident, which occurred on the evening of August 23, has drawn widespread condemnation and highlighted the escalating violence in Haiti.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his outrage over the attack, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures to combat gang violence in the country. He stated that the incident underscores the "alarming security situation" in Haiti, particularly as the nation prepares for its first general elections in more than a decade.
Jean Massillon, the mayor of Kenscoff, described the chaos unleashed by armed gangs who set homes ablaze and targeted residents indiscriminately. Among the properties attacked was the home of Jean William Pape, a prominent public health expert. Massillon attributed the violence to members of the gang known as Viv Ansanm, which was designated a "foreign terrorist organization" by the United States government in the previous year.
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti has indicated that the casualty figures may continue to rise as investigations proceed. The Haitian government has condemned the attack, labeling it a "heinous act," and has promised to bolster security in the region. However, local residents have expressed frustration with law enforcement, demanding the resignation of the local police chief for failing to protect the community from the attack, which occurred just a short distance from a police station.
Survivors of the attack have recounted harrowing experiences. Marc Paul, a resident of Kenscoff, reported that his family members, including his brother, stepmother, stepfather, and two cousins, were kidnapped during the raid. He also shared a distressing account of his 16-year-old niece, who was captured and raped but managed to escape. "I had to run over bodies," Paul recounted, reflecting on the chaos that ensued during the raid.
Another resident, Coriolan Kendy, mourned the loss of his cousin, whose body lay covered in a blood-stained sheet on the street. Kendy voiced his anger towards the government, stating, "People in Kenscoff are suffering and the government is to blame."
In response to the crisis, the prime minister's office has assured the public that action will be taken to restore order in Kenscoff. A statement on social media promised that "the government’s authority will be restored, without weakness and without delay."
The situation has been further complicated by threats from gang leaders. A video circulated on social media featured a gang member, identified as Izo 2, issuing a direct threat to Vladimir Paraison, the director of the Haitian National Police. "Paraison, if any of our soldiers are hurt, I will kill all of them," the gang member warned, referencing the hostages taken during the raid.
Kenscoff, strategically located and overlooking key routes into the capital, has been a hotspot for gang violence, experiencing a dozen attacks in the past year alone. The rise of powerful gangs in Haiti has led to a significant deterioration of security, prompting thousands of residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
Despite efforts from foreign nations to support Haiti's beleaguered police force, gangs have continued to expand their influence, wreaking havoc on communities and undermining the government's authority. As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, with calls for more substantial intervention to address the ongoing crisis in Haiti.