By Zoila Palma: Four Salvadoran soldiers serving with Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force (GSF) remain missing after armed groups ambushed their armored vehicle in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets on Sunday.
The Fuerza Armada de El Salvador said that the soldiers were returning to their camp when attackers used firearms and explosives against their vehicle, causing it to catch fire. The military said the four soldiers managed to escape the burning vehicle, but their whereabouts remain unknown.
El Salvador’s military said its Libertad II Task Force is working with the GSF command and international forces to locate the missing soldiers.
Helicopters were deployed to support the search, forcing armed groups to retreat, although the aircraft also came under gunfire.
Efforts to reach the soldiers by land and air have been hindered by intense clashes and dangerous security conditions.
Following the ambush, the GSF urged residents of Santo to remain indoors until further notice and avoid the affected area while security operations continued.
The incident has prompted concerns and calls for authorities to clarify what happened to the missing personnel. The force said operations were ongoing to disrupt armed groups and maintain security, as residents reported hearing gunfire and helicopters following the attack.
The ambush comes amid continued efforts to combat gang violence in Haiti, where armed groups have expanded their influence and forced large numbers of people from their homes.
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