Deadly Gang Attack Near Haiti's Capital
The United Nations said Tuesday that at least 47 people were killed and more than 50 kidnapped when armed men attacked a community near Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, earlier this week. According to The Associated Press, the attack is believed to be one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years.
Gang Leader Threatens Hostages
A gang leader has threatened to kill the hostages if authorities kill any gang members during efforts to secure the community above Port-au-Prince. In a video posted on social media, the gang leader addressed Vladimir Paraison, director of Haiti's National Police, saying, "Paraison, if any of our soldiers are hurt, I will kill all of them," referring to the hostages.
The gang member identified himself as Izo 2, a reference to Izo, or Johnson André, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders. Romain Le Cour, head of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, said Izo 2 is also known as "Didi" and leads the armed group in Kenscoff on behalf of and in coordination with Izo and other gang leaders.
Expert Calls Attack a Major Test
Le Cour described the situation as "a major political and security test, for the government, for the police and for the international mission." He also noted that the threat of executing hostages is a trap: If forces don't act, they've failed to protect them; if they do and hostages die, the gangs will blame the state.
Resident Recounts Escape
Kenscoff resident Marc Paul, 42, said gangs kidnapped his brother, stepmother, stepfather and two cousins. He said his 16-year-old niece also was kidnapped and raped but was able to escape and has reunited with him. Recalling his escape from the attack, Paul said, "I had to run over bodies." He added, "I can't sleep knowing all these people died."