HAITI – PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti— Heavily armed gangs in Haiti have attacked a neighbourhood that’s home to most of the country’s elite and had been largely untouched by criminals, and police have demanded help repelling the assault that has killed at least 40 people. “It’s been eight days since Kenscoff has been under attack,” Mayor Jean Massillon told The Associated Press on Monday. He blamed the attack on the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, with gunmen going home to home and indiscriminately opening fire. “As we speak, they have surrounded the area,” Massillon said as he called for reinforcements. The dead include pastors, teachers and children, although the number is expected to be higher because authorities haven’t been able to reach certain parts of the neighbourhood, which is home to many politicians and business leaders. “Despite these bad conditions, our policemen are making tireless sacrifices, but we cannot tolerate the negligence of the authorities on what must be done to protect their lives and the safety of the population,” the union, SPNH-17, said in a statement. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Photo: Police officers stand guard during an anti-gang operation in the Kenscoff neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP)