Unyielding Agony: Gangs Plague Haiti's Elite Neighbourhood

Heavily armed gangs have attacked Haiti's elite neighbourhood of Kenscoff, killing at least 40 people. Despite warnings, police lack resources to repel the assault, which has left over 1,660 homeless. Gang violence, controlling 85% of Port-au-Prince, poses a looming threat to the nation's capital.

A devastating attack by heavily armed gangs has struck the predominantly elite neighbourhood of Kenscoff in Haiti, leaving at least 40 people dead. Many of the victims were pastors, teachers, and children, though officials believe the death toll could be higher as access to some areas remains restricted.

The city's mayor, Jean Massillon, attributes the assault to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, which has been indiscriminately targeting residents, sowing terror across the area. As police scramble for reinforcements, mass evacuation and a lack of supplies have compounded the tragedy, pushing over 1,660 people into homelessness.

Despite prior warnings of potential attacks in Port-au-Prince, law enforcement has been criticized for inadequate resources. The UN and Haitian police unions argue that better equipment and intelligence funding are needed to curb escalating gang violence, which threatens over 85% of the capital.

(With inputs from agencies.)