Missing Technicians and Haiti’s Crisis: salvador bukele touts military intervention in haiti
Troops patrol Haitian streets
Bukele posted videos showing heavily armed Salvadoran soldiers patrolling streets in Haiti and receiving greetings from local residents. The troops are operating alongside Haitian police and the United Nations-backed multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
Rights and gang violence
Since taking office in 2019, Bukele has pursued a severe crime crackdown in El Salvador, jailing tens of thousands and declaring a state of emergency. Rights groups say the measures have suspended many civil rights.
UN spokesperson Dujarric said security operations should comply with international human rights law and other international law, and respect people’s rights. Wilson Joseph, the 400 Mawozo gang leader known as Lanmo Sanjou, told the Associated Press he had written to the UN secretary-general seeking dialogue and was concerned about civilian deaths amid increased fighting.
Conflict deepens humanitarian strain
Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council delayed national elections last month. The first round was moved from December 13 to July 18, 2027, with a second round scheduled for October 4, 2027.
Key points
- Salvadoran troops have deployed to Haiti and are patrolling with international and Haitian forces.
- Police found a vehicle used by four missing Salvadoran technicians, but the men remain unlocated.
- Haiti’s prime minister says foreign forces operate under Haitian authority; concerns about responsibility for force remain.
- Fighting is disrupting aid and access to health care as 5.94 million people face acute hunger.