PANAMA CITY, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 people were killed after gangs attacked the commune of Kenscoff, near Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, local media reported Monday.
The gangs, members of the armed coalition Viv Ansanm, moved into the area early Monday, attacking and setting fire to dozens of homes in Kenscoff, reports said.
In a statement, the Haitian government condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
"The government stands firm. It does not withdraw, compromise or retreat. Kenscoff will not be abandoned. Haiti will not be handed over to bandits. The Republic will prevail," the statement said.
Haiti has faced a worsening security crisis since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, which created a power vacuum that allowed armed gangs to expand their influence.
The latest violence could further complicate Haiti's presidential and legislative elections scheduled for Dec. 13, 2026. ■