El Salvador's government has initiated a substantial military deployment in Haiti, sending over 2,000 soldiers to locate four Salvadoran air technicians who went missing on October 18. President Nayib Bukele remains steadfast in his warnings to the gangs operating within the Caribbean nation.
The Salvadoran Foreign Ministry announced a large-scale operation, which has received backing from numerous countries and international organizations, following a phone conversation between Bukele and Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The discussion focused on the rescue mission for the four missing personnel and the ongoing security collaboration between the two nations.
According to the Foreign Ministry, Bukele emphasized the operation's decisiveness, expressed gratitude for Haiti's support, and reiterated El Salvador's commitment to tackling gang activities in the region.
Challenging the Haitian Gangs: "Victory Will Be Ours," Says Bukele
This military mobilization follows a stern ultimatum from Bukele to the Haitian gangs, demanding the safe return of the missing air technicians. In a message delivered in Haitian Creole days earlier, Bukele warned gang leaders: "Today's attack is only the beginning unless you release the four hostages unharmed."
On October 23, Bukele addressed critics on social media platform X, who doubted El Salvador's ability to confront the powerful Haitian criminal organizations. He dismissed concerns about the gangs' armament, the failures of past international missions, and the risks of a Salvadoran defeat.
"When God grants us victory, those same critics will change their tune," Bukele wrote, affirming his strategy remains unchanged despite criticism. He mentioned that the deployed soldiers are believers who have entrusted their mission to divine guidance, labeling the Haitian gangs as "satanic" and accusing them of human sacrifices.
"Victory will be ours. The Creator of the Universe stands with us," Bukele declared, citing a biblical passage from Deuteronomy about overcoming adversaries.
Massive Military Deployment in Haiti
The deployment marks a significant increase in Salvadoran forces in Haiti, where El Salvador participates in the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Prior to the attack on the air technicians, the Salvadoran contingent comprised roughly 124 personnel. As the crisis unfolded, reinforcements, including specialized units, began arriving.
According to reports from the EFE agency, a contingent of 690 soldiers arrived on October 27, raising Salvadoran forces to approximately 1,300. Subsequently, the Foreign Ministry announced an operation involving over 2,000 troops, though the exact number on the ground remains unspecified.
The four air technicians vanished on October 18 when armed men attacked their armored vehicle with gunfire and explosives in Croix-des-Bouquets, about 12 kilometers from Port-au-Prince. The vehicle was set ablaze, and contact with its occupants was lost. Bukele clarified that the missing individuals were aviation specialists primarily engaged in medical evacuations, not combat soldiers.
The attack's location is a stronghold for criminal organizations like Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo, although it's unclear which group orchestrated the ambush. Wilson Joseph, known as Lanmò San Jou, the leader of 400 Mawozo, denied holding the four Salvadorans in response to Bukele's threats.
Uncertainty Surrounds Missing Personnel
The search continues amid conflicting reports about the air technicians' fate. Recent days have seen reports of human remains that might be linked to the missing individuals. However, Bukele publicly refuted such claims, ensuring the remains found were not those of his men.
The rescue effort, supported by Haitian authorities, has sparked questions regarding the intervention's scope and duration as Salvadoran forces increase. By the close of October 29, authorities had yet to announce the discovery of the missing air technicians, with the search ongoing in gang-controlled areas.
Understanding the Crisis in Haiti
What prompted El Salvador to send troops to Haiti?
El Salvador dispatched troops to Haiti to locate four Salvadoran air technicians who disappeared after an armed attack on their vehicle on October 18.
How is El Salvador's deployment in Haiti supported?
The operation is supported by various countries and international organizations, along with cooperation from the Haitian government.
What challenges does El Salvador face in Haiti?
El Salvador faces challenges from heavily armed criminal organizations in Haiti, as well as skepticism about the effectiveness of their intervention.