Conflict & Security
El Salvador deploys troops to Haiti to rescue four captured service members
October 23, 2026 at 07:27 AM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 7 hours
El Salvador has deployed troops to Haiti to rescue four service members believed captured by Haitian gangs, per a UN-authorized mission spokesperson.
- The four missing service members, non-combatant aviation technicians supporting the mission, were ambushed by gangs on October 18.
- The dayslong search produced armed clashes that left at least seven gang members dead and four mission personnel wounded, the GSF said.
- Bukele announced an unspecified "military operation" and warned gangs they would face a harsher response if the men were not released alive.
- Gang leader Lanmo Sanjou responded by filming himself with ammunition and warning his group would "fight to stay alive."