日本語
한국어
Polski
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Français
Português
Italiano
Svenska
繁體中文
Dansk
// DOSSIER — violent-gang-attack-kenscoff-haiti-kills-deaths-kidnapped
Violent Gang Attack in Kenscoff, Haiti Kills 47 and Leaves Over 50 Kidnapped
REL_TIME: 26 Aug 2026 11:12Z · LANG: EN
A violent gang attack in Kenscoff, a commune near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, resulted in at least 47 deaths and the kidnapping of over 50 people. The attack, launched by a gang coalition led by an individual identified as Izo 2 (or 'Didi'), included the execution of 22 people inside a church compound and the burning of 25 homes. The gang leader issued a social media video threatening to kill all hostages if security forces harm any gang members. The attack highlights severe security challenges in Haiti as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for December 13.
// Background
Gang violence in Haiti has reached unprecedented levels, with armed groups controlling approximately 70% of Port-au-Prince. Record violence from January to June 2026 led to over 3,050 deaths, nearly 800 reported rapes, and displaced 1.5 million people nationwide. Kenscoff, a rural farming community nestled in the hills above Port-au-Prince, provides access to Pétion-Ville and southern supply routes, making it a strategic target for expanding criminal organizations.
// Key Developments
- At least 47 people were killed, including 5 children and 2 government employees, and over 50 kidnapped in Kenscoff, Haiti.
- A total of 22 victims were executed in a church compound where they sought shelter, and 25 homes were burned down.
- Gang leader 'Izo 2' threatened to execute all hostages if police Director Vladimir Paraison harms any gang members.
- The attack targets Kenscoff to gain control over strategic routes connecting Port-au-Prince to Pétion-Ville and southern Haiti.
- Security experts view the assault as a strategic trap to force Haiti's limited security forces to disperse away from the capital ahead of December 13 elections.
// Timeline
-
First major violent gang attack hits the mountain community of Kenscoff.
-
Security operations reduce reported violence in Kenscoff by 66% before gangs shift focus to vulnerable rural outskirts.
-
Gang coalition raids Kenscoff, killing 47, kidnapping over 50, executing 22 in a church, and setting 25 homes ablaze.
-
UN reports massacre details; gang leader posts hostage execution threats on social media; National Police launch investigation.
-
Scheduled date for Haiti to hold general elections for the first time in over a decade.
// Perspectives
[United Nations]
Condemns the massacre, demands accountability for perpetrators through specialized judicial units, and calls for urgent intensification of international security efforts.
[Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon]
Expresses grief over the atrocity while remaining optimistic that state forces will eliminate gangs in the community.
[Gang Coalition / Izo 2]
Demonstrates force against the state and threatens immediate execution of hostages if police harm gang members.
[Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (Romain Le Cour)]
Analyzes the event as a tactical trap designed to drain police resources, expose state vulnerability, and send a political message ahead of national elections.
[Haiti National Police]
Dispatched specialized units and ordered an investigation into whether negligence or complicity enabled the attack, while reaffirming duty to protect civilians.
// Quotes
“Paraison, if any of our soldiers are hurt, I will kill all of them”
“The relentless gang attacks on communities and the loss of lives underscore the alarming security conditions in Haiti and reinforce the urgent need to intensify Haitian and international security efforts to counter gangs”
“The atrocity of this crime reminds us that we have to continue working stronger every day to bring peace to the community. I’m optimistic that the state will continue working to eradicate the gangs in Kenscoff.”
“I had to run over bodies. I can’t sleep knowing all these people died.”
