El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele announced on Wednesday the launch of a military operation aimed at rescuing four Salvadoran aviation technicians who were kidnapped by gangs in Haiti. Bukele emphasized the potential for a stronger military response if the technicians are not returned unharmed.
The technicians were last seen on Sunday after gangs opened fire on their armored vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets, a suburb of Port-au-Prince. Following the attack, the technicians fled the vehicle, which subsequently caught fire. This incident marks a significant escalation, being the first major attack on the international gang suppression force since its deployment in Haiti.
In a direct message to Haitian gang leaders, Bukele issued an ultimatum, stating, “Today’s attack is nothing compared to what is coming if they do not release the four hostages alive. And do not take our words as empty threats.” He shared a video on social media showing armored vehicles moving through smoke with shattered windows.
Bukele clarified that if the technicians are returned safely, conditions will revert to the situation prior to the kidnapping. However, he did not specify whether any military actions would involve Salvadoran, Haitian, or international forces. He insisted that El Salvador’s mission in Haiti remains strictly non-combat, highlighting that the Salvadoran personnel involved are primarily pilots and technical staff, tasked mostly with medical evacuations.
Haiti declares rescue an “absolute priority”
In response to the kidnappings, Haiti’s government affirmed that the safe recovery of the technicians is an “absolute priority.” A meeting at the prime minister’s office took place to assess the situation and coordinate with the Gang Repression Force. The government stated, “All necessary resources are being mobilised to achieve this goal.” It remains unclear if Haitian authorities have confirmed the technicians’ safety. Requests for comments from the gang suppression force went unanswered.
The incident highlights the significant challenges faced by international forces in Haiti, where an estimated 70 percent of Port-au-Prince is under gang control. Haiti is also preparing for its first general election in over a decade.
El Salvador is among several nations, including Chad, Jamaica, and Guatemala, contributing troops to the multinational gang suppression force, which comprises more than 2,000 personnel. The United Nations initially approved a deployment of up to 5,550 security personnel and over 50 civilian staff in 2025. This mission received at least a six-month extension through March 2027 from the UN Security Council.
Earlier in October, El Salvador approved a law extending its participation in the mission for another year and expanding its mandate to include the deployment of civilian and military personnel beyond medical evacuations, in response to the evolving needs on the ground.
