At least 40 killed as gangs attack displaced people near Haiti’s capital

At least 40 people were killed, some reportedly executed, after armed gangs attacked displaced people sheltering in a church in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, local authorities said.

The attack took place Sunday night in the mountainous town, which has faced months of gang violence. Authorities said dozens of people were also injured and others remain missing, while some victims were reportedly abducted.

Kenscoff Mayor Massillon Jean described the attack as a “night of terror” and said around 40 bodies had been counted as searches continued.

The targeted site housed people who had already fled violence in other parts of Haiti. According to the mayor, armed groups raided the displacement camp inside a church and executed several people.

The attack has further deepened Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, with gangs controlling large parts of Port-au-Prince. UN figures cited in the report indicate that nearly 1.5 million Haitians are displaced, while more than five million face severe food insecurity.

A general election is scheduled for December 2026.