The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) patrol the Tabarre neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Monday.Odelyn Joseph/The Associated Press
El Salvador deployed 100 special forces soldiers to Haiti on Thursday to help rescue four missing soldiers from the Central American country who recently came under attack by gangs, two officials told The Associated Press.
The special forces arrived a day after Salvadorean President Nayib Bukele announced a military operation to rescue the four aviation technicians and threatened a more forceful response if they’re not released alive and unharmed.
An official with El Salvador’s government not authorized to speak on the matter said an additional 100 soldiers were going to be deployed to Haiti on Thursday night. The official said Salvadorean authorities were operating under the assumption that the four missing Salvadoreans are still alive.
Haiti’s government said Wednesday evening that the four missing soldiers were abducted, marking its first comments since the attack that occurred Sunday in Croix-des-Bouquets. Authorities have said the soldiers were travelling in an armoured vehicle that came under fire from gangs that also used explosives.
Haitian gangs target foreign troops in first major attack since arrival of international force
It’s the first major attack since the international gang suppression force began operations, replacing a Kenyan-led force that struggled to help Haitian police quell gang violence given a lack of resources and funds.
Authorities have been fighting armed men in the area ever since the attack occurred, marking the first time that the Haitian National Police task force, which includes Vectus Global – the private security firm founded by former U.S. Navy SEAL and Blackwater founder Erik Prince – is working with the gang suppression force as part of a joint operation. As the heavy fighting in deep, gang-controlled territory continues, residents have been warned to remain indoors.
The Miami Herald first reported the deployment.
El Salvador’s presidential office did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.
The area where the armoured vehicle was targeted is controlled by gangs including Chèn Méchan; Kraze Barye, led by Vitel’homme Innocent; and 400 Mawozo, led by Lanmo Sanjou. Both gang leaders have been sanctioned by the UN and the U.S.
No one has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.