UN confirms deadly attack in Haiti
The United Nations confirmed on Tuesday that at least 47 people, including at least five children, were killed and more than 50 others kidnapped by armed men in Haiti on Sunday, according to both Deutsche Welle and M Live Michigan. The attack took place in Kenscoff, on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and is believed to be one of the largest mass kidnappings in the country in recent years, as reported by the Associated Press, cited by both outlets.
Gang leader threatens hostages
In a video posted on social media, a gang leader threatened to kill the hostages if Haiti's National Police kill any of his men during a rescue attempt. The gang member identified himself as Izo 2, a reference to Izo, or Johnson André, one of Haiti's most powerful gang leaders. According to M Live Michigan, which quoted Romain Le Cour, head of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 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.
In the video, the gang leader directly addressed Vladimir Paraison, director of Haiti's National Police, saying: "Paraison, if any of our soldiers are hurt, I will kill all of them." The threat was reported by M Live Michigan, which attributed the information to the video and Le Cour's analysis.
'Major political and security test'
Romain Le Cour described the attack as a "major political and security test, for the government, for the police and for the international mission." He also warned that the threat to execute hostages is a trap: if forces do not act, they have failed to protect the hostages; if they do act and hostages die, the gangs will blame the state.
Resident's account
Kenscoff resident Marc Paul, 42, told the Associated Press that gang members kidnapped his brother, stepmother, stepfather and two cousins. His 16-year-old niece was also kidnapped and raped but managed to escape and has reunited with him. He recalled his own escape, saying, "I had to run over bodies" and "I can't sleep knowing all these people died." Both Deutsche Welle and M Live Michigan carried his account.
UN chief condemns attack
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, which he said underscored the "alarming security conditions" in Haiti and amplified the need for both domestic and international security efforts. Via a spokesman, he called for Haitian authorities to "ensure that those responsible for such attacks are held accountable," including through specialized judicial units recently established with international support to investigate mass crimes, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
Background: Kenscoff and gang violence
Kenscoff is located around 10 kilometers south of Port-au-Prince at an altitude of around 2,000 meters. Because of its cooler climate, it is considered a relatively desirable residential area, while its mountainous location makes it strategically important for control of key road connections. It is also close to the political institutions, embassies and banks of Pétion-Ville, Deutsche Welle reported.
The first major attack on Kenscoff occurred in January 2025, and Sunday's attack was the largest yet on the area, shattering the belief that security in Haiti was improving, according to Deutsche Welle.
Broader UN statistics cited by Deutsche Welle show that more than 3,050 people were reported killed in Haiti between January and June, and gang violence has displaced an estimated 1.5 million people. The UN also reported nearly 800 rapes and over 80 kidnappings between April and June, though a UN statement noted these figures represent only a portion of the total number of people kidnapped, as relatives often negotiate directly with kidnappers.