GSF vows to continue Haiti mission despite Salvadoran soldiers' disappearance

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Started 8D · Updated 13H

The multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF) has vowed to continue its mission in Haiti despite the disappearance of four Salvadoran soldiers, who were ambushed by armed gangs on October 18 near Port-au-Prince. The incident has triggered a regional response, with El Salvador deploying special forces and the OEA calling for stronger action, while the Dominican Republic offers support and reports that the GSF aims to reach its full strength of 5,500 troops within three months.

The Disappearance and Conflicting Reports

The four Salvadoran air force technicians vanished after their armored vehicle was attacked in the Croix-des-Bouquets area. The GSF confirmed receiving unidentified human remains, but President Nayib Bukele stated they were not his men, citing a child's remains and uniforms from other armies. A gang leader from 400 Mawozo suggested the soldiers may have died in a firefight in rival Chen Mechan territory.

Regional and International Reactions

Dominican Republic: President Luis Abinader offered medical, logistical, and intelligence support to El Salvador, while the Dominican military reported gangs operate 26 km from its border but pose no direct threat.
OEA: Secretary General Albert Ramdin expressed solidarity with El Salvador and called for more decisive regional measures against Haitian gangs.
Haitian NGO Rhajac: Urged Bukele to act with caution, alleging a secret pact between the Haitian PM and gang leaders.

GSF Operations and Force Buildup

The GSF, currently with 2,181 troops, expects to reach its authorized 5,500 within three months, with troops from Bangladesh, Chad, Guatemala, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, and El Salvador. The force conducted an operation in the Bel-Air neighborhood, killing several gang members, while Haiti's armed forces began recruiting 700 new soldiers.

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