Nayib Bukele states that a “military operation” was launched in Haiti to free four Salvadoran soldiers held hostage by armed gangs, reports AFP. The four men, aeronautical technicians, belong to a multinational force supported by the UN. They were attacked last Sunday while traveling in an armored vehicle, returning from a market outside Port-au-Prince. They have been missing since.
On his X account, Nayib Bukele published a video on October 21 showing military vehicles on patrol, while bursts of gunfire are audible. The president directly threatened those responsible for the kidnapping. “ I want you gang leaders to hear something very clearly: today’s attack is nothing compared to what’s to come.” he wrote in a message in Creole. And to add: “We’ve already cleaned up the gangs in El Salvador, and we can do the same with you. »
The four soldiers are members of the Gang Repression Force (FRG), a multinational mission responsible for fighting armed groups in Haiti. Supported by the United Nations, this force saw its mandate extended by six months, until March 31, 2027. According to Nayib Bukele, the Salvadorans deployed there are pilots and technicians responsible for ensuring medical evacuations. Their mission is to “save lives, not make war”, he added. On Tuesday, the FRG indicated that its operations were continuing. Clashes with armed groups left gangs dead and injured, as well as four injured among the ranks of the international force. “We condemn this kidnapping and call for their immediate release”declared the spokesperson for Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the UN.
The operation announced by Nayib Bukele comes at a time when Haiti is going through a serious political, economic and security crisis. Armed gangs are increasing murders, kidnappings, rapes and the recruitment of children. At least 5,700 people have been killed or injured since the start of the year, according to a United Nations report published in early October. The violence complicates the work of international forces and continues to threaten the population.
In El Salvador, Nayib Bukele has been leading a vast policy of repression against criminal gangs for several years. The emergency regime, in force for four years, has led to the imprisonment of around 93,000 people. The president presents this strategy as a victory against criminal groups, while human rights NGOs denounce multiple abuses.
