El Salvador Launches Military Operation in Haiti to Rescue Four Aviation Technicians

President Nayib Bukele announced on X that El Salvador had launched a military operation to rescue four Salvadoran aviation technicians abducted by gangs in Haiti. The announcement came after the technicians were reported missing on Sunday when gangs opened fire on an armored vehicle in the Santo area of Croix‑des‑Bouquets, outskirts of Port‑au‑Prince.

The four men are aviation technicians who work for the United Nations‑backed Gang Suppression Force. They fled the burning vehicle and have not been seen since, marking the first major attack on the international gang suppression force since it began operating in Haiti.

Bukele issued an ultimatum to the gangs, stating that a more forceful response would follow if the men are not released alive. He also said the mission is strictly non‑combat, describing the Salvadoran contingent as pilots and technical personnel only, not to wage war.

Haiti’s government responded by calling the abduction an "absolute priority". A meeting was held at the prime minister’s office to assess ongoing interventions and coordinate with the Gang Repression Force, according to a government statement.