The Gang Suppression Force (GSF, for its acronym in English) deployed in Haiti has confirmed the death of "several" alleged members of armed gangs in the context of the clashes recorded during a broad tracking operation to locate four soldiers from El Salvador missing after the ambush last Sunday near Port-au-Prince.
In an official statement, the multinational mission explained that since Sunday the units have been conducting search operations on the ground, using live fire and aerial coverage from helicopters, in the Santo area, within the metropolitan area of Croix-des-Bouquets. As a result of these confrontations, four members of the GSF have been injured and are being treated in medical centers.
The leadership of the GSF has conveyed its recognition to the Salvadoran Executive for "its close coordination and the additional support provided in response to this incident." At the same time, it has issued a warning directed at the residents of Santo and nearby localities to remain sheltered in their homes and avoid moving through the areas where security operations are still active.
The increase in violence is framed in the attack of October 18, when armed men shot at a vehicle of the multinational force that was patrolling the area. Although initially the mission did not specify the number of casualties and some local media pointed to the possible disappearance of five Salvadoran soldiers, the command has confirmed that it is four uniformed personnel whose trail is being sought.
The incident again highlights the serious deterioration of the security environment in the Caribbean country, a reality that has drawn attention this week from the highest UN official in Haiti, Carlos Ruiz Massieu. Before the UN Security Council, he warned of the "ability of gangs to adapt their tactics as security operations intensify," emphasizing the rise in kidnappings and reprisals against civilians.
Currently, the Gang Suppression Force has 1,563 uniformed agents on mission, a number very far from the 5,550 personnel authorized by the Security Council. The mandate of this force was recently renewed until March 2027, with the aim of stabilizing Haiti, halting the advance of criminal organizations, and creating the minimum conditions for the holding of national elections, absent since 2016.