Kathmandu— At least thirty people were killed in Haiti after a powerful gang coalition attacked a farming community in Kenscoff, south of the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Sunday. The violence comes as the nation attempts to organize its first general election in over a decade and amid ongoing instability caused by widespread gang control. Officials report that armed men set homes ablaze and targeted residents, including a prominent public health expert.

Attack on Kenscoff

Jean Massillon, the mayor of Kenscoff, stated that the attackers “sowed chaos” as they burned homes and killed civilians. The gang members specifically targeted a church and residences, including the home of Jean William Pape, a leading figure in public health. Massillon attributed responsibility for the attack to Viv Ansanm, a group designated by the United States government as a foreign terrorist organization last year.

Gang Control and Strategic Location

Viv Ansanm has repeatedly targeted Kenscoff due to its strategic location overlooking routes leading into Petion-Ville. This area houses several embassies, upscale hotels, and currently serves as the temporary seat of Haiti’s government. Gangs are estimated to control approximately 70 percent of Port-au-Prince, contributing to a climate of widespread insecurity.

International Response and Displacement

A United Nations-backed force intended to suppress gang violence is still in the process of reaching its full capacity of 5,500 members. The UN reports that gang activity has already displaced an estimated 1.5 million people across Haiti. From January to June alone, more than 3,100 people were killed and over 1,189 injured as gangs continued their reign of terror in Port-au-Prince, sparking international concern last year.

Government Response

Haiti’s prime minister’s office issued a statement on Monday condemning the “heinous attack” and assuring citizens that security forces are on high alert with reinforcements being deployed. The government pledged to restore its authority in Kenscoff, stating, “Kenscoff will not be abandoned.” Despite these assurances, experts have cautioned that current conditions are too dangerous to hold planned elections.

Haitians continue to register for elections scheduled in January, though the feasibility of holding a safe and fair vote remains uncertain given the ongoing violence.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.