Gangs in Haiti carried out an assault on an armored vehicle recently, resulting in the disappearance of four soldiers from El Salvador. This incident marks a significant attack since the initiation of operations by an international force aimed at suppressing gangs in the troubled Caribbean nation. The event unfolded on Sunday in Croix-des-Bouquets, a previously peaceful area in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, now under the control of violent gangs.
According to a statement released by the armed forces of El Salvador on Monday, the four aviation technicians were ambushed with explosives while returning to their base, causing their armored vehicle to catch fire. Fortunately, the soldiers managed to escape the burning vehicle, and efforts are underway in collaboration with international forces to locate them.
In response to the incident, Salvadoran authorities dispatched helicopters to the area, but they encountered gunfire while attempting to disperse armed individuals in the vicinity. The military acknowledged the challenges faced in reaching the affected area due to the intense fighting.
Wien-Weibert Arthus, Haiti’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, highlighted that the weaponry and ammunition utilized by the gangs are not locally produced and continue to infiltrate the country through various means. He emphasized the complexity of the security issues in Haiti, particularly underscored by the recent attack.
The ongoing gang violence in Haiti has led to the displacement of nearly 1.5 million individuals, setting a record for the country. The UN reported over 5,700 casualties from January to mid-September, with more than 230 individuals subjected to kidnappings.
During a UN Security Council meeting on Haiti, Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, condemned the assault on the soldiers and assured their safe return. He denounced the perpetrators of the attack, emphasizing that they would not deter the coalition involved in gang suppression.
The gang suppression force issued a statement indicating that they are evaluating the situation and advising residents in the affected area to stay indoors. Jack Christofides, the force’s special representative, warned about escalating attacks against the force and highlighted retaliatory actions by gangs in various regions.
As Haiti gears up for upcoming elections, concerns persist over the influence exerted by gangs, particularly in controlling significant portions of Port-au-Prince. The gang suppression force, comprising troops from various nations, has been instrumental in curbing gang activities and restoring order in certain areas.
The assault on Salvadoran troops comes at a crucial juncture as Haiti prepares for its first general election in over a decade. The growing political landscape features numerous parties and candidates, including former president Michel Martelly, amidst a backdrop of gang dominance in the capital.
Overall, the incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Haiti and the efforts being made to combat gang violence amid the backdrop of significant political developments in the country.
