According to a report by Reuters on August 24th, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti announced that the Kenscoff area near Port-au-Port, the capital of Haiti, was attacked by gang militias on the evening of the 23rd. At least 47 people were killed and 22 were injured in the attack.
Mayor Jocelyn Kenscom said that the attack was carried out by the anti-government gang organization "Viv Ansanm". Armed men attacked a church and several residential houses, set fire to buildings, and killed residents. Haitian police and security forces engaged in combat with the armed men for several hours before repelling them. The conflict has now ceased.
Mazillon revealed that among the damaged houses was the residence of Jean-Willy Pape, a well-known local public health expert. Pape operates an non-governmental organization in Haiti, providing assistance to patients.
August 24th, in Cap-Haïtien, near the capital of Haiti’s Port-au-Prince, citizens carried the bodies of those who were killed in the attack. IC photo
Haiti human rights organizations say the attack began at around 10:30 p.m. local time on the 23rd, resulting in over 30 deaths, but it is difficult to determine the exact number of casualties. The United Nations Office in Haiti stated on the 24th that at least 47 people were killed and 22 were injured, and the numbers may change.
Kenskov is located at a strategic position, with a view of the road leading to Port-au-Prince and the wealthy district of Petionville near Port-au-Prince. The “Living Together” organization has repeatedly attacked Kenskov in an attempt to control this location.
Gang-related armed activities have become a persistent problem threatening law and order in Haiti. Over 70% of the territory in Port-au-Prince is controlled by gang forces. The United Nations estimates that gang violence has caused 1.5 million people to be displaced in Haiti. Between January and June this year, more than 3,100 people lost their lives in violent conflicts.
