VIDEO: Haiti gang suppression force reports deaths as search continues for four missing Salvadoran soldiers

The United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) has reported the deaths of several gang members during clashes in Haiti as security forces intensify efforts to locate four missing Salvadoran military personnel following an ambush near the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The four Salvadoran aviation technicians went missing on Sunday after armed gang members attacked their armored vehicle in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets, north of Port-au-Prince. According to El Salvador’s military, the personnel escaped after their vehicle was struck by explosives and caught fire, but contact with them was subsequently lost.

The GSF has continued operations in the area amid heavy fighting involving armed groups. However, attempts to reach the missing personnel by land and air have been hampered by dangerous security conditions. Salvadoran helicopters deployed during the search also came under fire.

El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, announced on Wednesday that a military operation had been launched to rescue the four personnel, whom he said were being held hostage by Haitian gangs. He warned the armed groups of a stronger response if the men were not returned alive and unharmed.

The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths of gang members, including the number killed and the identities of those involved, have not been independently established in the available reporting.

The crisis highlights the continuing challenges facing the international security mission, which was established to support the Haitian National Police in confronting heavily armed gangs that control large parts of Port-au-Prince and other areas of the country.

Haiti continues to face a severe security crisis, with widespread gang violence displacing nearly 1.5 million people and undermining efforts to restore public order.

The immediate priority remains locating the four Salvadoran personnel and securing their safe return as operations continue amid persistent armed clashes.