Haitian gangs attack foreign troops

Haitian gang groups attacked an armored vehicle carrying Salvadoran soldiers in Croix-des-Bouquets, a neighborhood in the capital Port-au-Prince, during the first major assault since the international Gang Suppression Force (GSF) began operations. The attack occurred on Sunday and resulted in four soldiers being reported missing.

Attack details and location

The incident took place as the four Salvadoran aviation technicians were returning to their base in Croix-des-Bouquets, a formerly peaceful area now dominated by violent gangs. Their armored vehicle was struck with explosives and set on fire, according to a statement from the Salvadoran armed forces released on Monday.

GSF responds to increased threats

Jack Christofides, the special representative of the GSF, stated that the attack is part of a pattern of increased hostility toward the force. He noted that hostile incidents against the GSF have risen sharply, from two to fifteen in a single month, and the attack on the Salvadoran soldiers is being investigated for its implications on security and operations.

U.S. ambassador condemns gang violence

Mike Waltz, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the missing soldiers. He warned gang leaders that their actions would not go unanswered and emphasized the support of the GSF, the United States, and the international community in confronting the crisis.

Human toll of gang violence

Gang violence in Haiti has displaced nearly 1.5 million people, a record high, and caused over 5,700 deaths or injuries between January and mid-September, according to the United Nations. Additionally, more than 230 people have been kidnapped in the same period, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the country.