Kathmandu— At least 47 people were killed, more than 50 kidnapped, and another 22 injured during a gang raid on the town of Kenscoff near Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, on August 23rd, according to the United Nations. The attack has sparked outrage over the escalating violence plaguing the country as it prepares for its first general election in over a decade and underscores the urgent need for increased security efforts to combat powerful gangs who have expanded their influence throughout the region.

Escalating Violence in Kenscoff

The raid, which involved setting homes on fire and targeting both a church and private residences, was carried out by members of Viv Ansanm, a group designated as a “foreign terrorist organisation” by the United States last year. Jean Massillon, the mayor of Kenscoff, stated that the armed men ‘sowed chaos’ throughout the town. Among those targeted was Jean William Pape, a leading public health expert, and multiple families were affected, with reports of widespread kidnapping and violence.

Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos

Residents described scenes of horror as they fled the attack. Marc Paul, 42, recounted having to ‘run over bodies’ while escaping, adding that his brother, stepmother, stepfather, and two cousins were among those kidnapped. He also revealed a harrowing detail: his 16-year-old niece was captured and raped but managed to escape and reunite with him. Another resident, Coriolan Kendy, expressed anger at the government while standing beside his cousin’s body, stating that “People in Kenscoff are suffering and the government is to blame.”

Government Response and Public Outcry

Haiti’s government has condemned the attack as “heinous” and pledged to reinforce security measures. However, residents of Kenscoff have demanded the resignation of the local police chief, accusing officers of failing to protect them despite the proximity of the attack to the police station. The prime minister’s office promised that ‘Kenscoff will not be abandoned’ and vowed to restore government authority “without weakness and without delay.”

Gang Leader Threatens Police Director

Adding another layer of complexity, a video posted on social media showed a gang leader threatening Vladimir Paraison, director of the Haitian National Police. Identifying himself as Izo 2 – a reference to Johnson Andre, one of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders – he warned that if any of his fighters were harmed, “I will kill all of them,” referring to the hostages currently held by the group. The hillside community of Kenscoff has experienced a dozen attacks since last year, displacing thousands.

The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti noted that casualty estimates may change as investigations continue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and emphasized the urgent need for intensified Haitian and international security efforts.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.