At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped during a gang attack on the village of Kenscoff, a farming community in the hills above Port-au-Prince. The violence, which occurred on Sunday, August 23, involved homes being set alight and a night of terror during which gang members targeted displaced people sheltering in a church. Some of the victims were killed execution-style.
The incident is believed to be one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years. In a video posted on social media, a gang leader threatened to kill the hostages if authorities kill any gang members while attempting to secure the community. Kenscoff is noted for its strategic position, which is useful to armed groups.
UN Secretary General Guterres condemned the attack, stating that it underscores the alarming security situation in Haiti. According to U.N. statistics, gang violence has displaced a record 1.5 million people across the country, and over 3,000 people have died in 2026 alone.