Haiti Gang Attack Kills Around 40 People at Church Shelter Near Port-au-Prince

Port-au-Prince: Around 40 people have been killed in a brutal armed gang attack near Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

The attackers targeted a camp for people displaced by violence. Many of the victims had taken shelter at a church in the area.

According to AFP, the attack took place on Sunday night in Kenscoff, a mountainous area near the capital.

Church Shelter Targeted by Armed Gangs

Kenscoff Mayor Massillon Jean said authorities had recovered around 40 bodies after the attack. The search operation was still underway, and several people remained missing.

The mayor described the incident as a “night of fear.” He said the attackers targeted people who had already fled gang violence in search of safety.

Armed men reportedly stormed the shelter inside the church. Several people were killed, while others suffered injuries.

There were also reports that some people were abducted by the attackers.

Haitian Government Sends More Security Forces

The attack has increased fear in the area and further worsened the security situation.

Haitian authorities said they would send additional security forces to the area. The move aims to restore order and protect local residents.

The office of Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed deep sorrow over the attack. It also offered condolences to the families of those killed.

The government said it would deploy more security personnel to improve safety in the affected area.

Kenscoff Faces Growing Gang Violence

Kenscoff lies southeast of Port-au-Prince. The mountainous area has faced growing tensions between armed groups and security forces for several months.

Gangs have been trying to expand their influence in the region. As a result, local communities continue to face serious security risks.

The latest attack has added to Haiti’s growing humanitarian crisis.

Haiti Faces Severe Humanitarian Crisis

United Nations figures show that around 1.5 million people have been displaced across Haiti.

More than five million people also face severe food insecurity in the country, which has a population of around 11 million.

The crisis became significantly worse in early 2024. Armed gangs then launched widespread attacks across several parts of the country.

The violence placed further pressure on Haiti’s political system. It also contributed to the departure of the country’s then-unelected prime minister.

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