Haitian gang leader threatens to kill dozens of hostages after massacre

Gang members in Haiti are holding dozens of people hostage in the commune of Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, threatening to execute them if authorities attempt to intervene. The kidnapping occurred after a violent massacre in the same area on Monday, which left 47 people dead.

A gang leader known as Didi, or Izo 2, is seen in a video circulating on social media, issuing threats. "If you expel us so that the population can return to live in Kenscoff, expel us well. But do not think that you will launch an attack in which even a dog that belongs to us dies," he stated, repeating the warning multiple times. The hostages include children, women, and young men, many appearing desperate. Didi is also heard ordering his men by phone to kill everyone in case of police retaliation, stating, "Your safety (that of the hostages) does not depend on me, but on the State."

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If you expel us so that the population can return to live in Kenscoff, expel us well. But do not think that you will launch an attack in which even a dog that belongs to us dies

The band led by Didi is part of the Viv Ansanm coalition, headed by former police officer Jimmy Chérizier, known as Barbecue. During the massacre, gang members set fire to houses and vehicles. Residents took to the streets to protest the lack of security forces' protection.

The UN reported 47 deaths from the massacre, including 22 individuals allegedly executed in a church where they had sought refuge. Overall, UN data indicates that violence in Haiti has resulted in at least 3,050 deaths and 1,401 injuries in the first six months of the year. Additionally, approximately 52% of the population, or 5.8 million Haitians, face food insecurity, and 1.4 million people were displaced last year.

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Your safety (that of the hostages) does not depend on me, but on the State