El Salvador Leader Salvador Bukele Deploys Troops to Haiti

Salvador Bukele has shared footage online showing heavily armed soldiers from his country patrolling streets in Haiti. The deployment follows the disappearance of four aviation technicians from El Salvador who were attacked by gangs over two weeks ago. The right-wing leader responded by sending more than 2,000 troops and military hardware to the Caribbean nation.

Haitian authorities reported finding the burned remains of a truck used by the missing group in the Santo neighbourhood outside Port-au-Prince. Police located the vehicle during a joint operation involving the United Nations-backed multinational Gang Suppression Force, local law enforcement, and Salvadoran personnel.

Salvadoran military forces deployed to Haiti following the disappearance of four aviation technicians.

Online posts from the Salvadoran leader included a video showing military helicopters firing on gangs attacking multinational soldiers from Chad. Bukele stated that his forces arrived to help local residents free themselves from criminal groups. Meanwhile, United Nations representatives emphasized that security operations must adhere to international human rights law, noting that only a small portion of the deployed soldiers operate under the official multinational framework.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime assured the public that foreign forces are operating under national authority to reinforce state capacity rather than replace it. Concurrently, gang leaders have requested dialogue with United Nations officials amid mounting concerns over rising civilian casualties, blocked aid delivery, and widespread displacement.

Why it matters

The deployment of foreign troops alters the security landscape in a nation that has lacked an elected government since 2021. With postponed national elections and millions facing acute hunger due to blocked supply routes, the presence of international security forces impacts humanitarian access and civilian safety across the capital.