El Salvador sent 100 special-forces personnel to Haiti to help find four aviation technicians missing since a gang ambush, while the U.N.-backed security force continued searching without confirming where the men were or what condition they were in.
The Salvadoran group arrived on Thursday, October 22, to support work in the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac area near Port-au-Prince, according to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The four technicians went missing on October 18 after armed men attacked their armored vehicle in Santo, in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, with gunfire and explosives. They escaped from the burning vehicle, but have not been found.
Haiti’s government has said the men were abducted. Salvadoran officials have been acting on the assumption that the men are alive. The GSF says it is continuing its work in coordination with Haitian police and other partners.
It has urged residents to stay away from the area. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced a military rescue operation. He warned gangs of a stronger response if the men were not returned alive and unharmed.
The GSF has not publicly explained the special forces’ exact role. Reports said a further 100 Salvadoran troops were expected to arrive later on Thursday. Their arrival was not confirmed in the latest reports reviewed.
No one had publicly claimed responsibility for the ambush.