El Salvador’s Haiti operation raises questions over Bukele’s security strategy

El Salvador’s military intervention in Haiti is drawing growing international scrutiny as President Nayib Bukele seeks to position his government as a force capable of confronting the Caribbean nation’s gang crisis.

The offensive began in mid-October after four Salvadoran aviation technicians working with a UN-backed mission disappeared following a gang attack. El Salvador has since deployed around 2,500 troops, including forces involved in operations against gang targets.

Videos shared by Bukele and his supporters show Salvadoran soldiers and armored vehicles operating in Haiti, portraying the intervention as an effort to help the country regain control. Analysts, however, say the campaign also serves to strengthen Bukele’s political image ahead of elections in February.

Salvadoran political strategist Roberto Dubón described the communication campaign as an effort to portray Bukele as a “superhero” and said Haiti could serve as a testing ground for his security policies abroad.

The operation has raised concerns over transparency, human rights and the possibility of a prolonged conflict. Amnesty International has called on El Salvador and Haiti to disclose the agreement authorizing the deployment and ensure compliance with international law.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has distanced Washington from the operation, saying the United States is not actively involved. Meanwhile, Dominican President Luis Abinader has expressed support for El Salvador, saying the Dominican Republic is providing logistical and intelligence assistance.

Experts warn that Haiti’s complex security environment, with heavily armed gangs and weak state institutions, makes it difficult to replicate Bukele’s security model. They also caution that military operations could trigger greater resistance among criminal groups or lead to a prolonged conflict.