Gangs in Haiti launched an attack on an armored vehicle over the weekend, leaving four soldiers from El Salvador unaccounted for in the first major incident since an international gang suppression force began operations in the Caribbean nation. The assault occurred Sunday in Croix-des-Bouquets, a community in Port-au-Prince that was once peaceful but is now controlled by violent gangs. The attack involved explosives and gunfire, forcing the troops to flee their burning vehicle.
The Salvadoran military stated Monday that the four aviation technicians were returning to camp when they were targeted. Helicopters dispatched to rescue the troops also came under fire, hampering efforts to establish contact. This escalation comes as Haiti prepares for its first general election in over a decade, with gangs controlling an estimated 70% of the capital.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive analysts and U.N. officials emphasize the structural complexities of the crisis and the limitations of the current military intervention. Romain Le Cour, head of the Haiti Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, argued that while some gangs are under pressure, others are striking back to demonstrate their capacity to negotiate and pressure security forces. He noted that if the soldiers are being held, the gangs gain leverage.
Wien-Weibert Arthus, Haiti's deputy permanent representative to the U.N., highlighted the international dimensions of the violence, stating that the weapons used by gangs are not made in Haiti. "This latest episode is a reminder... that the security challenges in Haiti are complex and complicated," Arthus said, urging continued international support to address the influx of arms.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative voices and U.S. officials have framed the attack as a test of resolve for the coalition, warning that retreat would only embolden criminal networks. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz condemned the assault as "cowardly" and issued a stern warning to gang leaders. "If you think you're going to intimidate this coalition into retreat, you have made a terrible mistake," Waltz stated during a Security Council meeting.
Waltz confirmed that U.S. intelligence believes the four missing men survived the initial blast but remain unaccounted for. "We will bring you home," he said, signaling a commitment to the mission despite the rising violence. Jack Christofides, the special representative for the gang suppression force, echoed this sentiment, noting that the force is making a difference with available resources and that early signs of reduced gang influence are visible in certain areas.
What the Numbers Show
According to U.N. data, gang violence has displaced nearly 1.5 million people across Haiti, a record high. From January to mid-September, more than 5,700 people were killed or injured, and over 230 were kidnapped. The international gang suppression force, authorized by the U.N. Security Council in September 2025, comprises 5,550 members, with more than 2,000 troops currently on the ground from countries including Chad, Jamaica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
The U.S. and U.N. have sanctioned key gang leaders involved in the region, including Vitelhomme Innocent of Kraze Barye and Lanmo Sanjou of 400 Mawozo. In the political sphere, preparations for the upcoming election show progress, with more than 35 parties and 3,500 candidates registered, including former President Michel Martelly, who faces sanctions from the U.S. and Canada.
The Bottom Line
The attack on Salvadoran troops underscores the fragility of the security situation in Port-au-Prince as the international coalition attempts to stabilize the country ahead of elections. While U.S. and U.N. officials maintain that the force is making progress, the ability of gangs to target military assets suggests they retain significant operational capacity. The status of the four missing soldiers remains a critical focal point, with international forces continuing search efforts amid intense fighting. Authorities have advised residents in the affected areas to remain indoors as the situation develops.