President Donald Trump has approved the deployment of approximately 2,000 Salvadoran troops to Haiti following the disappearance of four Salvadoran aviation technicians in a gang ambush in Croix-des-Bouquets on October 18. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele sought confirmation from Trump on Tuesday that the U.S. would not oppose the escalation of the military operation, to which Trump reportedly responded, “Do what you have to do.”
The Salvadoran forces are working under a bilateral agreement with the Haitian government, although the specifics of this arrangement remain undisclosed. It is not clear how the El Salvadoran military will coordinate with local security agencies or the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
As part of the mission, Bukele intends to prioritize the safe return of the missing technicians, who are believed to have been kidnapped following the ambush. Bukele escalated warnings to Haitian gangs after the incident and has made statements indicating severe consequences if the technicians are not returned unharmed. In a post on social media on October 29, he reiterated that the operation is not intended as an invasion and is focused on rescuing the missing technicians while addressing gang violence.
“We will also teach the gangs a lesson, these gangs that are making the Haitian people suffer, killing their loved ones and preventing them from living normal, free lives without fear,” Bukele said.
This deployment marks a shift in El Salvador’s role in Haiti, moving beyond providing medical assistance and logistical support to a more direct military approach against gangs. About 2,000 Salvadoran special forces are already stationed in the capital, with additional troops anticipated. The operation is reportedly funded largely by El Salvador, which is responsible for about 90% of the costs, while the U.S. and Colombia have contributed logistical and transportation support.
Despite the change in military stance, it remains unclear whether the newly deployed Salvadoran troops will operate in conjunction with the GSF or conduct independent missions. As Haiti continues to grapple with widespread gang violence, the Salvadoran government has stepped up efforts to address security concerns and stabilize the region.
