Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele issued a stern warning to Haitian gangs on Wednesday, threatening a heightened military response if four Salvadoran soldiers, missing since an ambush on October 18, are not returned safely. The soldiers, aviation technicians working with the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force, disappeared after their vehicle was attacked in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets, located northeast of downtown Port-au-Prince.
In his first public remarks regarding the situation, Bukele emphasized that the current search and rescue operations are just the beginning, stating that more severe actions may follow if the soldiers are not unharmed. “Do not take our words as an empty threat,” Bukele said in a post on October 21. “Return our four compatriots alive and unharmed, and everything will return to how it was before the kidnapping.” He indicated that the gangs could face consequences similar to those experienced by criminal groups in El Salvador.
According to Bukele, the soldiers do not engage in combat but are involved in medical evacuations and saving lives. He reported that they were abducted while returning from a supermarket in the area. His main focus remains on their safe return, and he warned that if the gangs do not comply, security operations would be intensified. “You still have time to prevent this. The decision is in your hands,” he said.
Security Response in Haiti
Meanwhile, the Haitian government announced it was coordinating the response to the abduction, emphasizing that securing the soldiers’ release is a top priority. In a statement released Wednesday, officials highlighted ongoing efforts to assess and strengthen operations in collaboration with the Gang Suppression Force.
“The release of the abducted soldiers is an absolute priority, and all necessary resources are being mobilized to achieve this goal,” said the statement. Security forces are continuing operations to secure their release and ensure public safety. helicopter-supported missions have been conducted since the ambush. Reports indicate that four personnel from the Gang Suppression Force sustained injuries during these operations, and preliminary assessments suggest that several gang members were killed or wounded in confrontations with security forces. Residents in Santo and surrounding areas have been advised to remain indoors as operations continue.
The violence in the Santo area is compounded by the presence of gangs such as Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo, which maintain significant control over residential communities. This control complicates efforts by security personnel and raises concerns for civilian safety.
As the situation develops, reports emerged of further gang violence in the Artibonite department, where armed groups reportedly attacked the Rue Capps area and set homes ablaze. This illustrates the broader security crisis affecting not only the capital but multiple regions in Haiti.
Currently, the fate of the four missing Salvadoran soldiers remains uncertain, with Bukele indicating that he may deploy additional troops to Haiti. A contingent of around 300 soldiers is expected to arrive in the country by Thursday to assist in the ongoing efforts.
