Search under way for four soldiers missing after gang attack in Haiti | Conflict News
International forces deployed in Haiti are working to locate four Salvadoran soldiers who went missing following an attack by violent gangs that targeted their armored vehicle with explosives on Sunday. The incident occurred in Croix-des-Bouquets, located north of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The soldiers are part of the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and were reportedly returning to their base when they were ambushed. They managed to escape from their burning vehicle, according to the Armed Forces of El Salvador. Helicopters have been dispatched to establish contact with the personnel and assess their location; however, they also came under fire while attempting to respond to the situation.
“Multiple attempts to approach by land and air have been made, but the intensity of the fighting has hampered these,” the Salvadoran military stated. Meanwhile, the GSF has advised local residents to stay indoors while the situation remains volatile.
This marks the first significant attack on the international force since its operational deployment earlier this year. The GSF officially commenced operations on June 1, although it has thus far functioned in a limited capacity. A statement from the UN indicated the force is expected to reach full operational capability by the end of the year. Currently, more than 1,500 troops from countries including Chad, Jamaica, and Guatemala are stationed in Haiti.
The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene later on Monday to discuss the situation in Haiti, with the recent attack anticipated to be a focal point of the agenda. The assailants have not been identified, but the attack highlights the pervasive influence of armed gangs in Haiti, which are reported to control approximately 70 percent of Port-au-Prince.
The area where the soldiers were attacked is dominated by gangs such as Kraze Barye and 400 Mawozo, both of which are led by individuals who have been sanctioned by the UN and the United States. A recent UN Security Council report noted that armed gangs have taken over large parts of the capital, employing violent tactics that include murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence.
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, Haiti has experienced a multifaceted crisis marked by escalating violence, political instability, and severe humanitarian challenges. Gang violence has displaced a record 1.5 million people within the country. According to UN estimates, more than 5,700 individuals have been killed or injured from January to mid-September this year, with an additional 230 reported kidnappings.
