Gangsters overran the Kenscoff community, located in the hills above Port-au-Prince, killing at least 47 people and seizing strategic territory. During the assault, more than 50 people were abducted in what is believed to be one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years.
In a video posted on social media, the gang leader threatened to kill the hostages if security forces continue their offensive or if any gang members are harmed as authorities attempt to secure the community.
UN Secretary General Guterres condemned the attack, stating that it underscores the alarming security situation in Haiti due to gangs. According to UN statistics released Tuesday, gang violence has displaced a record 1.5 million people across the country.