AI Image
Haitian police retake national stadium after two years of gang control
France 24 • • world
Key Points:
- Haitian security forces, alongside Salvadoran soldiers, regained control of the Sylvio Cator Stadium, which had been under gang control for two years, disrupting the national football team's home games.
- The operation involved Haitian National Police and a private security Task Force, with Salvadoran troops maintaining security post-operation.
- The deployment of approximately 2,000 Salvadoran soldiers was ordered by President Nayib Bukele following an ambush that left four Salvadoran soldiers missing in Port-au-Prince.
- The Salvadoran military's involvement is part of a broader effort to combat gangs in Haiti, including the destruction of the 400 Mawozo gang's headquarters.
- Due to gang control and violence, Haiti's national football team was forced to play World Cup qualifiers abroad, despite qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
