El Salvador Deploys 2,000 Troops to Haiti to Rescue Four Soldiers Missing After Ambush

BBC World · 2026-10-29
El Salvador Deploys 2,000 Troops to Haiti to Rescue Four Soldiers Missing After Ambush

El Salvador has dispatched 2,000 troops to Haiti in an urgent mission to locate and rescue four Salvadoran military personnel who went missing following an ambush on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. The soldiers disappeared during a violent encounter, prompting a large-scale deployment aimed at securing their safe return. The operation underscores the volatile security situation in Haiti, where gangs control much of the capital and attacks on security forces have become increasingly common. El Salvador, which has contributed personnel to international missions in Haiti, is now taking direct action to protect its own. The massive troop movement highlights the risks faced by foreign forces operating in the country and raises questions about the effectiveness of current stabilization efforts. As the search continues, the outcome could influence future participation of international troops in Haiti's ongoing crisis.