2026-02-14

SOUTHERN LOGISTICS CORRIDOR Viv Ansanm coalition gangs burned multiple farmer homes in Kenscoff on February 13 marking the seventh major attack phase since January 27, 2025 targeting the sole viable road connecting Port-au-Prince to Jacmel and southern departments. Tele Haiti and Pacific confirmed malfrats conducted coordinated arson operations against agricultural communities while maintaining checkpoints at Kajak controlling the rehabilitated Kenscoff road. The sustained campaign follows a January 30, 2026 attack killing at least ten people including three community patrol members and a three-month-old infant demonstrating escalating violence against civilian populations. The Kenscoff corridor represents critical strategic infrastructure as gang control of National Routes 1, 2, and 3 leaves this mountain route as the primary alternative for humanitarian organizations and commercial operators accessing South and Southeast departments. Grand Ravine, Ti Bois, Village de Dieu, and 400 Mawozo gangs have systematically targeted this February 14, 2026 corridor killing hundreds and displacing thousands while establishing territorial control mechanisms. The February 13 attack specifically targeted farmers suggesting economic warfare tactics aimed at food security disruption beyond pure territorial acquisition objectives. IRC reports humanitarian funding at only 3.4 percent of needs while 1.4 million people remain displaced with over half being children requiring southern department access for aid distribution. World Food Programme estimates half the population faces crisis-level hunger making Kenscoff route functionality essential for famine prevention operations. The gang checkpoint system at Kajak enables extortion revenue generation while controlling movement of goods and humanitarian supplies creating compounding effects on already severe food insecurity conditions. Operational implications extend beyond immediate security concerns as businesses maintaining operations in southern Haiti face logistics chain disruption requiring either aerial transport at prohibitive costs or acceptance of gang taxation through checkpoint systems. The targeting of farmers specifically signals gang intent to control agricultural production and distribution networks rather than simple territorial dominance creating food weaponization scenarios.