El Salvador launches Haiti operation to rescue four kidnapped technicians

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said on Wednesday that his country had launched a military operation to rescue four Salvadoran aviation technicians being held by gangs in Haiti. He warned that the response would become more forceful if the four men are not released alive and unharmed.

Key facts

• Who is involved: Four Salvadoran aviation technicians kidnapped by gangs in Haiti.
• What was announced: A military operation by El Salvador to rescue them.
• The warning: Bukele said a more forceful response would follow if the hostages are not freed alive and unharmed.
• Recent violence: Gangs in Haiti opened fire on an armored vehicle three days before the announcement.
• Context: That shooting was the first major attack since an international gang suppression force began operating in Haiti.

What did El Salvador announce?

Bukele said the operation had already been launched to free the four Salvadoran aviation technicians taken by gangs in Haiti. He tied any escalation to the fate of the hostages, saying the response would be more forceful if they are not released alive and unharmed.

What is the security situation in Haiti?

Gangs in Haiti opened fire on an armored vehicle three days before Bukele's statement. It was the first major attack since an international gang suppression force began operating in the Caribbean country.

Armored police vehicles belonging to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) were patrolling the Tabarre neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince on Monday, 19 October 2026.

What happens next?

No details were given on the size of the Salvadoran operation, when it began or how long it is expected to last. Bukele's statement leaves open the possibility of a stronger response if the four technicians are not released.