Key facts
- 100 special forces soldiers deployed to Haiti.
- Four Salvadoran aviation technicians are missing after being ambushed by gangs.
- At least seven gang members were killed in clashes.
- Four GSF personnel were wounded in clashes.
El Salvador deployed 100 special forces soldiers to Haiti on Thursday to rescue four missing service members who were ambushed by gangs on October 18. President Nayib Bukele announced a military operation to bring the aviation technicians home, issuing an ultimatum to Haitian gang leaders. The Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a UN-authorized multinational mission, has been engaged in armed clashes while searching for the missing personnel, resulting in at least seven gang members killed and four GSF personnel wounded. A spokesperson for the GSF confirmed the arrival of Salvadoran troops to support the rescue effort.