LAGOS AUGUST 26TH (NEWSRANGERS)-At least 42 people were killed in a gang attack in Haiti, local media reported on Monday, as armed groups continue to expand their control in the violence-plagued Caribbean nation.
The attack took place overnight in Kenscoff, a town about 10 kilometres south of the capital Port-au-Prince, Radio Télé Galaxie reported, citing Mayor Jean Massillon. Other local media put the death toll between 20 and 47. It was initially unclear whether the attackers were seeking to enrich themselves or expand their area of influence.
The gang members attacked the centre of the municipality overnight, setting fire to numerous homes and storming a church where displaced people were sheltering, the broadcaster reported. Police eventually pushed the attackers back and regained control of the area.
Haiti’s transitional government confirmed the attack but gave no death toll. It described the incident as a “heinous criminal assault” and placed security forces on the highest alert. Reinforcements were also deployed.
Kenscoff lies at an altitude of about 2,000 metres and is considered a relatively popular residential area because of its cooler climate. Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. The country of nearly 12 million people is due to hold elections on December 13, its first since 2016.
Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, while an already precarious security situation has spiralled out of control. Gangs control more than 80% of the capital and have expanded their attacks into other communities, including by raping women and recruiting children.
UN data show armed gangs killed 2,300 people in Haiti in the first five months of this year alone. More than 1,100 others were injured and nearly 100 were abducted, according to the data.
DPA
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