El Salvador deploys 100 special forces to Haiti to rescue missing soldiers

El Salvador deployed 100 special forces personnel to Haiti on Thursday to help rescue four Salvadoran soldiers who were kidnapped after a gang ambush in Croix-des-Bouquets, two officials told The Associated Press.

The deployment came a day after Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced a military operation to recover the four aviation technicians and warned of a stronger response if they are not released alive and unharmed. A Salvadoran government official said another 100 soldiers were expected to arrive.

The four men are members of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the multinational mission supporting efforts to combat armed gangs and stabilize Haiti. They disappeared Sunday after the armored vehicle in which they were traveling was attacked with explosives by armed groups in Santo, near Port-au-Prince.

The rescue operation comes as Haiti continues to face severe gang violence. More than 5,700 people have been killed or injured this year, while the UN has reported more than 230 kidnappings and over 1,000 cases of sexual violence against women and girls.

The violence and political instability have also raised uncertainty over Haiti’s presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for December 13. The Provisional Electoral Council postponed the start of the electoral campaign and has yet to issue a new calendar.