Port-au-prince: More than 50 people kidnapped during a gang attack in Haiti's Kenscoff commune are being threatened with execution, media reports indicated. The warning was issued by a gang leader known as Izo 2, who stated that the hostages would be killed if any of his group members were killed during security operations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the threat followed an overnight gang attack in Kenscoff on August 23, which resulted in the death of at least 47 individuals and injuries to 22 others, as reported by the United Nations. The Haitian Times detailed that the attack involved armed men who moved through Kenscoff, causing fatalities, setting homes ablaze, and abducting dozens of residents.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reported that at least five children were among those killed. Additionally, 22 individuals lost their lives inside a church compound where they had sought refuge. During the attack, gang members set fire to 25 homes. The United Nations described the incident as one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years.

Statistics from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) revealed that between April and June, at least 1,408 people were killed and 656 injured. This marked a 14% decline from the previous three months. More than half of these casualties were linked to gang activities, while around 40% occurred during security operations. The remaining 5% were attributed to self-defense groups and acts of vigilante justice. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN's top representative in Haiti, expressed concern over these figures, highlighting the ongoing toll of violence on the population.

This latest episode of violence arises as authorities and international partners work to enhance security prior to the general elections scheduled for December 13, which would be Haiti's first in over a decade. Secretary-General Guterres condemned the Kenscoff attack and urged stronger actions by authorities and international allies to safeguard civilians and tackle armed gangs.

BINUH reports indicated that over 800 people were killed or injured during security operations between April and June, including at least 95 individuals with no apparent gang affiliations. The UN also noted that as of May, nearly 1.47 million people were internally displaced in Haiti, with more than half being children.