Haiti Families Plead for Release of Hostages After Deadly Gang Attack

At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others taken hostage on Sunday when armed men attacked Kenscoff, a community in the hills above Port-au-Prince previously seen as relatively spared from gang violence. The United Nations confirmed the toll on Tuesday. It is believed to be one of the largest mass kidnappings recorded in Haiti in recent years.

A gang leader known as Izo 2 has reportedly threatened to kill the hostages if authorities target gang members during any operation to retake the area. A video circulated on social media is said to show close to twenty hostages, including three children.

Kenscoff resident Marc Paul, 42, spoke publicly after his brother, stepfather, stepmother and two cousins were abducted by the attackers. His 16 year old niece was also taken and assaulted before managing to escape and reunite with him.

The attack has renewed concern over security in Haiti, a shift from the sense some observers had that conditions in the country were gradually improving. Families of those still held are urging authorities and armed groups to secure their swift release.

This account draws on reporting by RFI.