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Rare Hope: Haitian Gang Releases Kidnapped Women, Children
29 Aug
Summary
- Thirteen hostages, including six children, were freed by a Haitian gang.
- UNICEF aided in the release of women and children abducted nearly a week prior.
- The gang had threatened executions if police intervened during the rescue.
A violent gang in Haiti has released 13 hostages, including seven women and six children, who were kidnapped nearly a week ago. The abductions occurred after a deadly attack on a farming community near the capital, Port-au-Prince. Unicef, the UN children's agency, assisted in securing the release of the captives, three of whom were under the age of two. This act of release provides a rare glimmer of hope amid the pervasive violence impacting children in Haiti.
The targeted farming settlement of Kenscoff experienced a brutal attack on August 23rd, resulting in the deaths of at least 47 people. Gang leader Izo 2 had previously issued threats of executing all hostages if any gang members were killed during rescue attempts. Earlier in 2025, attacks in Kenscoff over two months led to over 260 deaths and displaced thousands, with subsequent incidents involving rape, kidnapping, and arson.
Kenscoff's strategic location overlooks key routes, including those leading to diplomatic and governmental areas in Petion-Ville and a major road connecting the capital to southern Haiti. While individual kidnappings are frequent in Haiti, mass abductions are less common, and their outcomes can be unpredictable, ranging from release to death, regardless of ransom payments.
