In a dramatic escalation of military engagement, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced an air strike against Haitian gang leaders following a request from users on the social media platform X, founded by Elon Musk. The assault targeted the stronghold of a notorious gang leader known as Lanmo San Jou, who has been implicated in various crimes.
On November 10, 2026, Bukele shared on X that his armed forces had successfully carried out operations to destroy the gang’s headquarters. Footage released on social media showed light helicopters armed with rockets executing the strike on the compound.
This air strike comes just four days after Bukele reached out for specific location details from users on X, who highlighted the gang’s violent activities. “Where is this house? Give us the exact address, and we will destroy it,” Bukele tweeted on November 6, 2026.
The operation is part of a broader initiative by Salvadoran forces aimed at dismantling the power of Haitian gangs that have exerted control over the region for years. In a display of military might, Bukele later tweeted, indicating that the gangs appeared unwilling to engage with Salvadoran forces. “It seems the gangs do not want to fight with us,” he wrote.
In addition to air strikes, Salvadoran soldiers have been deployed to patrol the streets of Haiti. Recent social media footage showed troops operating at night, equipped with tactical gear and firearms, including assault rifles that are uncommon among Salvadoran military units in the region. Thousands of Salvadoran troops have been sent to Haiti as part of these measures, particularly following the kidnapping of Salvadoran nationals by Haitian gang members.
