WorldSecurity and defence
Gang attack near Haiti's capital kills around 40, officials say
A gang attack on a church sheltering displaced people in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, killed around 40 people, the local mayor said. Some victims were executed, and survivors reported abductions. The government has called for security reinforcements.
Gang members attacked a site sheltering displaced people in the town of Kenscoff, in the hills above Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Sunday night, August 23, 2026. Kenscoff's mayor, Massillon Jean, said about 40 bodies had been counted and that search efforts were continuing because some people were still missing.
The assailants targeted a displaced persons camp located in a church, according to the mayor. He described "a night of terror" and said the attackers executed several people, wounded dozens, and abducted some residents. Kenscoff has been affected by gang violence for months.
The attack has prompted government calls for security reinforcements in the area. The mayor spoke to the press on Monday, August 24, 2026, as officials continued to assess the aftermath.
WorldSecurity and defence
Gang attack near Haiti's capital kills around 40, officials say
A gang attack on a church sheltering displaced people in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, killed around 40 people, the local mayor said. Some victims were executed, and survivors reported abductions. The government has called for security reinforcements.
Gang members attacked a site sheltering displaced people in the town of Kenscoff, in the hills above Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Sunday night, August 23, 2026. Kenscoff's mayor, Massillon Jean, said about 40 bodies had been counted and that search efforts were continuing because some people were still missing.
The assailants targeted a displaced persons camp located in a church, according to the mayor. He described "a night of terror" and said the attackers executed several people, wounded dozens, and abducted some residents. Kenscoff has been affected by gang violence for months.
The attack has prompted government calls for security reinforcements in the area. The mayor spoke to the press on Monday, August 24, 2026, as officials continued to assess the aftermath.