At least 47 people have been killed and 22 others injured in a gang attack in Kenscoff, a community on the outskirts of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, the United Nations has said.
The attack occurred overnight as armed gangs raided communities in the mountainous area, killing residents and setting homes on fire, according to reports.
The violence has added to the worsening security crisis in Haiti, where powerful armed groups control large parts of the capital and surrounding areas.
The UN Human Rights Office said the attack in Kenscoff was carried out between Sunday night and Monday morning. Several residents were reportedly forced to flee their homes as armed men moved through the area.
Kenscoff is located in the hills southeast of Port-au-Prince and has become increasingly vulnerable to attacks as gangs expand their influence beyond the capital.
Residents have accused armed groups of carrying out killings, kidnappings, and arson while security forces struggle to contain the violence.
The latest attack reportedly targeted several communities in the area, with homes set ablaze and residents forced to seek safety elsewhere.
Some of those killed were reportedly people who had already been displaced by previous gang violence in other parts of Haiti.
The UN said the violence demonstrates the continued vulnerability of civilians as armed groups compete for territory and control of strategic areas around Port-au-Prince.
Haiti has experienced a dramatic deterioration in security in recent years, with gangs expanding their control following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
The country’s political instability and weak security institutions have made it difficult for authorities to effectively confront the armed groups.
Thousands of Haitians have been killed or displaced by gang violence, while kidnappings, sexual violence and destruction of homes have become increasingly common.
International efforts to restore security have also faced significant challenges.
A multinational security mission led by Kenya was deployed to Haiti to support the country’s police in combating gangs. However, the mission has struggled with limited resources and the scale of the violence.
The Haitian government has repeatedly appealed for greater international assistance as armed groups continue to challenge state authority.
The United Nations has warned that the continuing violence is worsening the humanitarian situation, with large numbers of people lacking adequate access to food, healthcare and shelter.
Following the Kenscoff attack, survivors and residents called for stronger protection from the authorities and greater efforts to prevent further attacks.
The latest killings come as Haiti prepares for elections aimed at restoring a functioning political system after years of instability.
However, widespread insecurity remains one of the biggest obstacles to political and economic recovery.
The UN and other international organisations have urged Haitian authorities to investigate the killings, protect civilians and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
