On Monday, January 27, 2025, in the early morning, the commune of Kenscoff was attacked by heavily armed individuals who attempted to seize several neighborhoods in the commune.

Several specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) and members of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) were quickly deployed to the scene to reinforce the Kenscof Police Station, repel and neutralize the attackers.

Rameau Normil, the Commander in Chief of the PNH and Godfrey Otunge, the Commander of the MMSS were on the scene to supervise the operations, which continued throughout the day, said Lionel Lazarre, Deputy Spokesperson for the PNH.

Several houses were set on fire at the start of the assault, residents were killed and others injured. Massillon Jean, the acting Mayor of Kenscoff was not immediately able to provide even a partial assessment of the victims.

Violent clashes between law enforcement and bandits were reported in Seguin, Furcy, Godet, Bélot, Obléon, sowing panic among the population and paralyzing all activities including schools and businesses.

Several bandits were fatally injured in the exchange of fire with law enforcement, several were arrested, at least 2 assault weapons including a Taiwanese T-65 rifle, 2 dozen tear gas grenades, ammunition and a radio were seized... said Michel Ange Louis Jeune, PNH spokesperson, who specified that the attackers had been repelled. He assures that the police remain on the scene to repel possible new assaults.

Residents of the commune of Kenscoff praised the security forces for their rapid intervention.

SL/ HaïtiLibre