Haitian police have discovered the charred remains of a vehicle belonging to four Salvadoran aviation technicians who went missing in gang-controlled territory over two weeks ago, according to Haiti's National Police agency. The vehicle was found in Santo, a neighborhood on the outskirts of the capital, in the Croix-des-Bouquets community, which is under the control of violent gangs. Police reported no resistance during the operation.
The attack on Oct. 18 led Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to deploy more than 2,000 troops to Haiti to assist in the search for the missing technicians. This deployment has raised questions regarding command and control of the soldiers operating alongside an international effort to combat the gangs terrorizing the Caribbean nation.
Authorities released images of the burned vehicle, stating that the operation on Monday involved Haitian police, the U.N.-backed gang suppression force, and Salvadoran troops. The United Nations has noted that the Salvadoran troops are not operating within the framework of the U.N. gang suppression force and emphasized the importance of adherence to international law. Haiti's prime minister has asserted that all foreign forces in the country are under Haitian command, a statement not explicitly confirmed by President Bukele regarding the Salvadoran soldiers.
President Bukele has made strong statements, invoking Haitian hero Jean-Jacques Dessalines and suggesting that individuals betraying the liberator "still exist in Haiti." He stated on X that some are gang members, others finance or supply weapons to gangs, and some are actively preventing the Haitian people from achieving freedom. These remarks followed a public statement by Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who for the first time since the attack, affirmed that Haiti holds command over any foreign forces within its borders and that these forces are not replacing the state.
Bukele promised to liberate Haiti from its "traitors," offering support for their defeat but emphasizing that Salvadorans are not enemies. He urged Haitians to stand up, reclaim their communities, and hold accountable those causing suffering.
Meanwhile, as Haitian police, soldiers, and international forces engage in battles against gangs in Port-au-Prince and other areas, one gang leader has called for dialogue. Wilson Joseph, known as Lanmò Sanjou and leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, informed The Associated Press that he has written to the U.N. secretary-general requesting a delegation for dialogue, citing concerns over civilian casualties amid the escalating fighting.