Military Build-Up Against Haiti’s Gangs: Reinforcements Sent to Rescue Four Salvadoran Personnel
Special forces reinforcements have been sent to Haiti to rescue four Salvadoran military personnel taken by armed gangs, and the Dominican Republic has stepped up border security. Reports mention armoured vehicles, helicopters and drones being used; we could not verify the helicopter and drone details in independent sources.
What Happened
On October 18 gangs ambushed a Salvadoran armoured vehicle in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets, firing hundreds of rounds and using explosives. The four personnel have been missing since they fled the burning vehicle. According to the sources they are aviation technicians, not combat troops.
El Salvador’s Response
President Nayib Bukele announced on October 21 a military operation to rescue them. Per CNN, El Salvador deployed troops to Haiti, and clashes left at least seven gang members dead and four Gang Suppression Force (GSF) personnel wounded, the GSF said. Additional special forces personnel reportedly arrived. Bukele warned that the response would be far harsher if the four are not returned alive.
The Remains Dispute
The New York Times reported the four bodies had been found; Bukele refuted this. On October 25 he said remains handed over in Haiti were not those of Salvadoran soldiers. The personnel’s whereabouts, condition and captors have not been conclusively established.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is reported to have raised border security; we could not independently verify this detail either.
