Human remains found as Haitian and Salvadoran forces take control of Port-au-Prince stadium

Haitian and Salvadoran security forces took control of the Sylvio Cator Stadium in Port-au-Prince on Thursday as part of a joint operation aimed at securing the sports complex and establishing a base for operations against armed gangs.

The intervention was carried out under a bilateral cooperation agreement between Haiti and El Salvador and involved the Haitian National Police, members of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd’H), the Task Force and Salvadoran Special Forces.

Authorities reported finding several human remains inside the stadium, including skulls. Their identities and nationalities had not been determined at the time of the report.

Following the operation, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced that the stadium would serve as a base from which security forces will advance into areas still controlled by gangs.

“We will establish a base of operations at the stadium to advance from there into gang-controlled territories,” Bukele said in a post on X, which included a video showing security personnel inspecting the facility.

The Salvadoran president also called on gang members to leave the area before the offensive begins and warned that those who remain and confront security forces will face the consequences.

The operation is part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries to strengthen security and recover areas of Port-au-Prince affected by gang violence.