Gangs in Haiti launched an assault on an armored vehicle recently, resulting in the disappearance of four Salvadoran soldiers in the first significant incident since an international force set out to combat gangs in the troubled Caribbean nation. The incident took place on Sunday in Croix-des-Bouquets, a formerly peaceful area in the capital city of Port-au-Prince that is now under the control of violent gangs.
The military of El Salvador stated on Monday that the four aviation technicians were ambushed while returning to their base, with their armored vehicle being attacked with explosives and set ablaze. Despite the vehicle being engulfed in flames, the soldiers managed to escape, and efforts are ongoing with international partners to locate them.
According to Salvadoran authorities, helicopters were dispatched to the scene but were also met with gunfire while dispersing armed individuals in the vicinity. The Salvadoran military mentioned that multiple attempts to reach the soldiers have been impeded by the ongoing intense fighting.
It was highlighted by Wien-Weibert Arthus, Haiti’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, that the weapons and ammunition utilized by gangs are not produced within Haiti and are finding their way into the country through various means. He emphasized the complex security challenges faced by Haiti, underlining the urgency to ensure the safe return of the missing personnel to their families.
In recent years, gang violence has displaced approximately 1.5 million individuals across Haiti, with over 5,700 people either killed or injured from January to mid-September, and more than 230 individuals reportedly abducted, as per UN data.
During a UN Security Council meeting on Haiti, Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, denounced the attack and reassured that efforts are being made to bring the missing soldiers back home. He condemned the cowardly act of the gangs and affirmed the coalition’s resolve to stand firm against intimidation tactics.
The Gang Suppression Force issued a statement advising residents in the area of the attack to remain indoors, emphasizing that the situation is being evaluated. Jack Christofides, the special representative of the force, cautioned that gangs have intensified their attacks on the force and have expanded their activities into various regions.
As preparations are underway for Haiti’s upcoming general election, the relevance of the gangs controlling a significant portion of Port-au-Prince has been underscored. The UN special envoy to Haiti, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, highlighted the progress in electoral preparations, with numerous parties and candidates participating in the process. Former president Michel Martelly, among the candidates, has faced sanctions for alleged involvement in illicit activities.
The Gang Suppression Force, comprising troops from several countries, including Chad, Jamaica, and Guatemala, has been actively engaged on the ground in Haiti. Christofides mentioned that early signs of reduced gang influence in certain areas have been observed, signaling progress in the force’s mission to combat gang activities.