Kathmandu— Haiti's national police are facing increased public frustration following a deadly attack on the community of Kenscoff last weekend that resulted in 47 deaths and the kidnapping of more than 50 people. The incident has highlighted the ongoing security challenges plaguing the nation, with armed criminal groups exerting significant control over territory and contributing to a growing humanitarian crisis. Police officials have offered limited details regarding their response plan amid threats from gang leaders and concerns about further attacks, including one potentially targeting the U.S. embassy.

Escalating Violence and Public Displacement

The attack on Kenscoff, a hillside community just outside of Port-au-Prince, represents one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti’s recent history. Hundreds of residents have been displaced as a result of the violence, with police working to facilitate their return home. Despite some previous successes in reducing violence within the area – conflict monitor Armed Conflict Location and Event Data reported a 66 percent decrease between January and August compared to the prior year – the UN warns that gang-related violence is spreading geographically even as authorities attempt to regain control of the capital.

Limited Police Response and Intelligence Gaps

During a news conference on Thursday, police spokesperson Garry Desrosiers offered few specifics about how law enforcement intends to address the situation in Kenscoff. “We cannot talk about any plans,” he stated when questioned about a potential response strategy. He also acknowledged that authorities are working to gather intelligence but provided limited details regarding pre-attack awareness. Desrosiers further revealed concerns about a possible assault on Tabarre, a Port-au-Prince neighborhood housing the United States embassy.

International Intervention and Ongoing Challenges

The recent surge in violence follows the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which created a power vacuum and exacerbated existing instability. With no national elections held since then – and the last elected senators’ terms expiring in 2023 – Haiti has struggled to establish political legitimacy. An estimated 70 percent of Port-au-Prince is currently under gang control, displacing over 1.5 million people nationwide. In April, members of a UN-backed Gang Suppression Force arrived with the goal of dismantling organized violence, but critics question its effectiveness and point to past foreign interventions that have been accused of rights abuses.

Internal Scrutiny and Allegations of Complicity

Haiti’s national police are also facing internal scrutiny, with allegations of corruption, incompetence, and even collaboration with armed groups. Vladimir Paraison, head of the national police, has defended the force against criticism and announced an investigation into whether the Kenscoff attack was enabled by “complicity or negligence.” The UN estimates that more than 3,050 people have been killed across Haiti between January and June alone, underscoring the immense human cost of the ongoing violence.

A general election is currently scheduled for December, but persistent security concerns continue to cast doubt on its feasibility. The situation remains volatile as authorities struggle to contain gang activity and restore stability in the country.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.