The attack took place in the area controlled by powerful gangs. Authorities are working to relocate children and staff from the Saint-Hélène orphanage, operated by the charity Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, which cares for over 240 children.

Heraty, who has worked in Haiti for 30 years and oversaw the orphanage, was among those kidnapped. She was previously assaulted during a 2013 break-in that resulted in her colleague’s murder. Heraty described the assailants as aggressive, armed with a hammer and gun, and expressed her dismay over the violence in a past interview.

Sunday’s kidnapping occurred in Kenscoff, a formerly peaceful community near Port-au-Prince. The orphanage remains closed as authorities and UNICEF seek safe locations for those affected. No group has claimed responsibility, but the area is controlled by a gang federation called Viv Ansanm, designated as a terrorist organization by the US.

Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed concern over the kidnappings, calling for the immediate release of Heraty and others. Haiti has seen a surge in kidnappings; over 175 incidents occurred between April and June, with nearly 37% in Port-au-Prince. Most kidnappings have been attributed to gangs like Grand Ravine and Village de Dieu, part of the Viv Ansanm federation. (The Gleaner)