El Salvador Deploys Special Forces to Haiti Amid Gang Attack on Soldiers

El Salvador has deployed 100 special forces soldiers to Haiti to assist in the recovery of four missing soldiers who were recently targeted by gangs, two officials told The Associated Press. The deployment occurred Thursday.

This action follows an announcement by Salvadorean President Nayib Bukele of a military operation aimed at rescuing the four aviation technicians. Bukele had previously warned of a more severe response if the soldiers were not returned safely.

An official within the El Salvador government, who was not authorized to speak publicly, stated that an additional 100 soldiers were scheduled to arrive in Haiti on Thursday night. Salvadorean authorities are proceeding under the assumption that the missing personnel are still alive.

Haiti’s government confirmed on Wednesday evening that the four soldiers had been abducted, marking the first official comment since the Sunday attack in Croix-des-Bouquets. Reports indicate the soldiers were traveling in an armored vehicle when they were fired upon by gangs, who also employed explosives.

This incident represents the first significant attack since the international gang suppression force commenced its operations, taking over from a previous Kenyan-led mission that faced considerable challenges in assisting Haitian police due to resource and funding limitations.

Haitian police and the international force have been engaged in combat with armed individuals in the affected area since the attack. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors.

The area where the armored vehicle was attacked is reportedly under the control of gangs, including Chèn Méchan; Kraze Barye, led by Vitel'homme Innocent; and 400 Mawozo, led by Lanmo Sanjou. Both Innocent and Sanjou have been subject to sanctions by the United Nations and the United States.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.