The town of Kenscoff woke up to a haunting silence on Monday, as fear gripped the once-peaceful suburb following yet another brutal attack by armed criminal gangs. Main streets lay deserted, and homes were emptied of their occupants, reflecting the deep sense of insecurity now pervasive in this Haitian community.

The assault, which occurred early Sunday, marked the second major offensive in just two weeks. The heavily armed gangs targeted the township, located on the heights of Port-au-Prince, forcing residents in neighboring localities to flee for safety. This latest attack follows an earlier offensive that claimed the lives of over a hundred residents, according to municipal authorities.

Details of the Attack and Aftermath

On Monday, February 17, the gangs brutally killed several residents, with witnesses reporting decapitations and burned bodies. Despite the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H) announcing the recapture of the former Téléco premises—a strategic site housing crucial communications infrastructure—the intervention resulted in the death of one soldier and injuries to two others.

The police’s regained control of this site did little to ease the fear that has permeated Kenscoff and surrounding areas. The town’s once vibrant streets now stand desolate, as people continue to flee from the escalating violence.

Mass Displacement and Growing Concern

Since the first attack, more than 15,000 residents from various localities have been displaced, according to figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The situation in Kenscoff mirrors the worsening security crisis across the metropolitan region.

For days, anxious residents have looked to the authorities for action, but the security situation continues to deteriorate. With criminal gangs asserting control over more territories, fear and uncertainty dominate daily life in Kenscoff and other impacted communities.

As Haiti grapples with worsening gang violence, the fate of Kenscoff and its people remains uncertain. The situation calls for urgent intervention and a comprehensive security strategy to restore peace and protect civilians from further atrocities.

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