Overnight raid near Haiti capital kills around 50

At least 47 people were killed and another 22 injured in an overnight attack by armed gangs in Kenscoff, a hillside community overlooking Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. The UN estimated that casualty figures could potentially riseKenscoff, which overlooks key routes into the capital, has faced about a dozen attacks by armed gangs since last year, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes.The gangs, operating under a broad alliance, have strengthened their control over Port-au-Prince for years and expanded into surrounding areas despite efforts by foreign countries to support Haiti's outgunned police.Haitian rights group RNDDH estimated that between 30 and 40 people were killed and 15 to 20 wounded in the latest raid. It said the attack began at around 10:30 p.m. local time and that the full death toll remained difficult to establish.The Haitian government condemned the incident as a "heinous attack" and pledged to strengthen security. However, residents called for the local police chief to resign, accusing officers of failing to protect people who were killed only minutes away from the police station."Kenscoff will not be abandoned," the Prime Minister's office said on social media, adding that government authority would be restored "without weakness and without delay."Residents forced to flee KenscoffUN estimates show that attacks in Kenscoff over two months in early 2025 killed more than 260 people and resulted in the destruction or burning of 200 homes. Around 3,000 people were forced to flee.Nearly a dozen further attacks have occurred since then, involving rape, kidnapping, arson and livestock theft.Residents said several dozen police officers attempted to repel the armed attackers during the night, with some officers reportedly injured. They also said they had not identified any gang members among those killed, Reuters reported.Local media reported that several houses were set ablaze, including the home of Jean William Pape, a prominent public health expert.Kenscoff overlooks routes leading to Petion-Ville, where several embassies, upscale hotels and the temporary seat of government are located. It also overlooks a major road connecting the capital with southern Haiti.According to Reuters, the latest violence could further raise concerns about Haiti's ability to hold an election in December, which would be the country's first in a decade. Successive governments have repeatedly postponed elections as armed gangs have expanded their influence.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.