The commune of Kenscoff has once again been targeted by the armed gang coalition “Viv Ansanm.” Early on Sunday, February 16, two officers of the Haitian Armed Forces were wounded by gunfire.
According to Lubin Jean Gérard, the local CASEC (Municipal Section Administrative Council), the assailants once again attempted to seize control of the area.
Reinforcements sent to contain the gang assault were forced to withdraw following orders from the high command of the Haitian National Police (PNH), leaving behind only administrative officers, who were poorly equipped and powerless against the heavily armed criminals, Gérard lamented.
Since around 5:00 AM, Kenscoff residents have been sending distress calls to authorities, pleading for additional forces to prevent the area from falling completely under gang control.
Images circulating on social media suggest that two Haitian Armed Forces officers were injured during the attack.
This latest assault is part of a series of attacks that have been targeting Kenscoff for several weeks.
Since the announcement by the CPT Coordinator regarding the activation of the judicial system against individuals sanctioned by the international community for their role in Haiti’s destabilization, armed gangs have intensified their attacks across the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and several provincial cities.
Operations conducted by the Haitian National Police (PNH) and multinational security forces have so far failed to curb the rampant gang violence plaguing the country.
As insecurity continues to escalate, the people of Kenscoff—like those in many other areas—are still waiting for an urgent response from authorities to ensure their protection.
Written by: André Louis
