On Sunday in the Santo sector of Croix-des-Bouquets, in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, an armored vehicle belonging to the Gang Supression Force (GSF), transporting Salvadoran soldiers from Operational Force Libertad II returning to their camp, was ambushed and targeted by heavily armed individuals suspected of belonging to the Chen Mechan gang, a member of the Viv Ansanm terrorist coalition. The Salvadoran soldiers responded forcefully in an intense firefight with the attackers, who, using Molotov cocktails, eventually managed to set the armored vehicle on fire, forcing the four Salvadoran soldiers to evacuate.

Rescue helicopters were deployed to repel the attackers and attempt to recover the four soldiers, despite heavy gunfire directed at the helicopters, several of which showed signs of impact.

Given the intensity of the gunfire, extraction proved impossible by both air and ground. Since then, there has been no news of the four soldiers who, according to some (unofficial) sources, are being held hostage.

The GSF and the Haitian National Police, supported by kamikaze drones, attempted to locate the Salvadoran soldiers, but without success. During this operation, amidst numerous exchanges of fire, several members of the armed group Chen Mechan were fatally wounded.

The Salvadoran Armed Forces issued a statement the same day :

Statement from the Salvadoran Armed Forces : The Salvadoran Armed Forces report that four Salvadoran air force technicians from Operational Force Libertad II, deployed in Haiti, were ambushed by heavily armed criminal groups while returning to their camp in an armored vehicle.

During the attack, the criminal groups used firearms and explosive devices, triggering fierce armed clashes. The armored vehicle was hit and caught fire; however, our four soldiers managed to escape.

As soon as the incident was reported, helicopters from our Armed Forces were deployed to provide support, successfully pushing back the criminal groups.

During these operations, the helicopters were also attacked and sustained gunfire.

Concurrently, support operations were activated in coordination with contingents from other countries deployed in Haiti. Multiple attempts to approach by land and air were made, but these were hampered by the intensity of the fighting and the security situation in the area.

Our Task Force Libertad II continues to work jointly with the Gang Repression Force Command and international forces to establish contact and determine the location of our soldiers.

The situation is still evolving. Any updates will be communicated in due course through our official channels."

Michael George Glen Waltz, the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, also issued a statement addressed to the leaders of armed groups :

"To the gang bosses terrorizing Haiti, your days of operating with impunity are numbered.

You can burn vehicles, erect barricades, terrorize the local police, terrorize civilians, but the Gang Suppression Force is coming for you. The international community will not tolerate it. And again, to our four Salvadoran brothers in arms, you are not forgotten.

The GSF is with you, the United States is with you, and we will bring you home"

SL/ HaitiLibre