50 Dead, 50 Kidnapped in Haiti Gang Raid

Gunmen swept through a hillside community outside Haiti’s capital in an overnight raid, leaving about 50 people dead and more than 20 injured, reports AFP. In addition, more than 50 people were kidnapped by the raiding gang members, according to the AP. Both outlets cited figures released by the UN on Tuesday. The attack Sunday night targeted Kenscoff, which overlooks key routes into Port-au-Prince and has endured a string of gang assaults that have forced thousands to flee. Local rights groups say counting the dead remains difficult, while residents accuse police of failing to intervene.

“This is a major political and security test, for the government, for the police, and for the international mission alike,” said Romain Le Cour of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Haiti’s government denounced the “heinous attack” and pledged to restore state authority in Kenscoff. Houses were torched, local media reported, including the home of prominent public health expert Jean William Pape. And a gang leader threatened to kill the hostages if authorities injure any of his “soldiers.” The surge in violence adds to doubts that Haiti can safely stage presidential elections planned for December, the first in 10 years.