Salvadoran troops launch major operation against gangs in Haiti

Haiti.- Salvadoran troops launched their first major operation Monday in Haiti’s Cul-de-Sac plain, northeast of Port-au-Prince, targeting the Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo gangs.

The operation comes about two weeks after four Salvadoran soldiers disappeared following an ambush in Croix-des-Bouquets. The troops, who began arriving in Haiti on October 22, advanced in armored vehicles as gang members erected barricades in an attempt to block their movements.

Haitian media reported that at least 12 people were killed in clashes between armed groups and Salvadoran troops in the Santo and Croix-des-Missions areas.

The 400 Mawozo gang is led by Lanmò San Jou, who is wanted by U.S. authorities, which have offered a reward of up to US$1 million for information leading to his capture.

Meanwhile, the Haitian National Police announced a large-scale operation across several areas of the Cul-de-Sac plain with support from the UN-mandated Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Authorities said the operation aims to dismantle gang checkpoints, prevent kidnappings, and protect residents from violence.

The operation covers Carrefour Shada, the Croix-des-Missions bridge, and Santo 17, where police deployed armored vehicles and ground units.

Local reports also said the Viv Ansanm gang coalition threatened residents in La Plaine and forced them to protest against the security operations, describing the Salvadoran deployment as an “invasion.”