At least 47 people were killed when armed gangs launched a deadly overnight assault on the Haitian town of Kenscoff, underscoring the worsening security crisis that continues to grip areas surrounding the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The attack, which began late on Sunday night, targeted the hillside community that overlooks key access routes into the capital. Local authorities and human rights groups said dozens of residents were killed or wounded as heavily armed assailants swept through the area.
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti said the death toll had reached at least 47 while also saying that the figures could still change. Local rights organisation RNDDH estimated that between 30 and 40 people were killed and up to 20 others were injured. The full extent of the casualties remains unclear, with officials and aid groups still working to assess the aftermath.
The latest bloodshed has sparked fresh outrage among residents who accuse authorities of repeatedly failing to protect communities exposed to gang violence.
As families gathered to mourn victims, many openly questioned why security forces were unable to prevent an attack that occurred near a police station.
Standing beside the body of a relative, local resident Coriolan Kendy blamed the government for allowing violence to continue unchecked in the area.
Other residents echoed those frustrations, saying they have endured repeated attacks, displacement and destruction while receiving little protection from the state.
Protesters also called for the resignation of local police leadership, arguing that security forces have failed to halt the growing influence of criminal groups in the region.
Kenscoff occupies an important position in the mountains south-east of Port-au-Prince and overlooks roads leading to Pétion-Ville, one of the capital's most affluent districts and the temporary seat of government.
The town has become increasingly vulnerable as gangs expand their reach beyond the capital.
According to United Nations estimates, attacks earlier this year killed more than 260 people, destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and forced around 3,000 residents to flee. Since then, communities have continued to report kidnappings, arson attacks, sexual violence and theft.
Residents say the latest assault is part of a broader campaign by armed groups to tighten their grip on areas surrounding Port-au-Prince and key transport routes.
Local media reported that several homes were set ablaze during the attack, including the residence of prominent public health expert Jean William Pape.
In a statement, Haiti's government condemned what it described as a brutal attack and pledged to reinforce security in the area.
Officials insisted that Kenscoff would not be abandoned and vowed to restore state authority.
Some residents said police officers attempted to resist the attackers during the night and that several officers were injured in the confrontation. However, many locals argue that existing security measures remain insufficient against heavily armed gangs.
The Haitian National Police did not immediately comment on the incident.
Haiti has struggled for years with expanding gang influence, particularly in and around Port-au-Prince, where powerful criminal alliances now control or contest large sections of territory.
Despite international support and efforts to strengthen policing capabilities, gangs continue to carry out attacks, kidnappings and extortion operations with increasing frequency.
The latest violence is likely to raise further concerns about the country's political future as officials continue preparations for elections planned for December, which would be Haiti's first national vote in a decade.
Successive administrations have repeatedly postponed elections as insecurity has spread and state control has weakened.
Meanwhile, a UN-backed multinational security mission is expected to expand in the coming months, with plans to increase its strength to more than 5,500 personnel. The force has been tasked with supporting Haitian police in efforts to restore security and combat gang activity.
For many residents of Kenscoff, however, the immediate concern remains survival. As families bury their dead and search for answers.
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