President Nayib Bukele said El Salvador had begun an operation to recover four technicians missing after an attack on their vehicle in Haiti, warning gangs of a stronger response unless the men are freed alive and well.
The Salvadoran aviation technicians serve with the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The Associated Press (AP) reported they went missing after leaving their burning armored vehicle during an attack Sunday, Oct. 18, in Santo, Croix-des-Bouquets, in Port-au-Prince. AP described the incident as the first major attack since the international force began operating in Haiti last year. No one had claimed responsibility, AP reported.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Bukele warned gangs allegedly holding the men: “Do not take our word for empty threats.” AP said it was not clear whether Haitian officials had received confirmation that the technicians were alive. EconoTimes previously covered Bukele’s rescue announcement.
Haiti’s government said Wednesday that securing the technicians’ release was an “absolute priority.” It said officials met at the prime minister’s office to review security efforts and determine further steps in coordination with the GSF.
AP reported that the GSF has more than 2,000 troops in Haiti, with El Salvador among the countries contributing personnel. The force is still engaged with gangs near the site of Sunday’s attack and has urged residents there to stay indoors, AP reported. AP reported that gangs control an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince as Haiti moves toward a general election after more than a decade.
Gang violence has driven nearly 1.5 million people from their homes in Haiti in recent years, AP reported. The United Nations said more than 5,700 people were killed or injured from January through mid-September 2026, and more than 230 were kidnapped.
