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Gang attack kills at least 47 in Haiti
An overnight attack on Kenscoff killed at least 47 people and drove more residents from homes near Port-au-Prince.
What happened
Armed men attacked the hillside farming community of Kenscoff late Sunday, killing at least 47 people, injuring 22 and kidnapping more than 50. Homes were set alight and residents fled. The UN warned the casualty count could change as searches continued in the community above Haiti’s capital.
Numbers
- At least 47people killed in Kenscoff — UN estimate may change
- More than 50people kidnapped during the attack — UN figure
- 22 injuredpeople reported wounded — UN estimate
- A dozen attacksrecorded in Kenscoff since last year — Thousands have fled
Questions
- Why was Kenscoff targeted?
- Kenscoff overlooks routes into Petion-Ville, where embassies, hotels and the temporary seat of government are located.
- Why are residents blaming police?
- Residents demanded the local police chief resign, stating officers failed to protect people attacked minutes from a police station.
- What protection is being expanded?
- A UN-backed gang suppression force is mandated to assist Haitian police and aims to reach more than 5,500 personnel.
- How long has Kenscoff faced attacks?
- The community has faced a dozen armed-gang attacks since last year, displacing thousands of people from their homes.
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The catch
The toll may change, while access and communication problems have prevented a definitive count.
Searches were continuing.