Gang attack in Haiti leaves at least 47 dead as anger mounts over police failures

At least 47 people were killed and 22 more injured in an overnight gang raid on a neighbourhood overlooking Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince, the UN said on Monday, prompting anger over the lack of protection from repeated deadly attacks.

The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti ‌said estimates could still change.

The hillside community of Kenscoff, in a strategic position overlooking routes into the capital, has suffered a dozen attacks by armed gangs since last year, forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Powerful gangs under a broad alliance have for years cemented their influence over Haiti’s capital and expanded to nearby regions, despite attempts by foreign nations to reinforce the country’s outgunned police.

Haitian rights group RNDDH estimated 30 to 40 people were killed and 15 to 20 wounded in the raid, which began around 10.30pm local time, but said it ⁠was difficult to assess a complete tally.

Even as Haiti’s government decried a “heinous attack” and promised to reinforce security, residents demanded the local police chief step down, ‌saying officers failed to protect people killed just minutes from the police station.