Headquarters of Haitian gang destroyed, El Salvador's president says
Key Points:
- El Salvador's military destroyed the headquarters of Haiti's notorious 400 Mawozo gang in a ground and air attack near Port-au-Prince, marking El Salvador's first military action on Haitian soil since deploying troops last month.
- The operation targeted the gang's stronghold in Croix-des-Bouquets, with video showing helicopters firing on the complex and dozens fleeing; reports suggest up to 20 casualties, though this remains unconfirmed.
- Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed gratitude for Salvadoran support and emphasized continued cooperation with the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force to restore state authority and combat gangs.
- The deployment of over 2,000 Salvadoran soldiers followed the abduction of four Salvadoran technicians working with the GSF, prompting President Nayib Bukele to vow military pressure until their release.
- Concerns have been raised about the legality and command structure of Salvadoran forces in Haiti, with Amnesty International urging adherence to international human rights law amid ongoing gang violence that has caused thousands of casualties this year.