Five Salvadoran soldiers deployed to Haiti are missing after coming under attack in a gang-controlled territory, according to reporting by The New York Times — World.
The multinational, United Nations-backed security force sent to combat widespread gang violence in the Caribbean nation reported that it has initiated search operations to locate the missing military personnel. The troops were operating inside an area dominated by local armed gangs when the ambush occurred.
Ambush in Gang Territory
The soldiers were targeted while carrying out operations in a sector held by armed groups. Details regarding the exact conditions of the attack remain limited, but the mission confirmed that contact with the five service members was lost during or immediately following the confrontation.
The multinational force was authorized by the United Nations to assist Haitian authorities in reclaiming territory from heavily armed criminal networks. Salvadoran personnel are among the international contributors deployed to help stabilize the country, which has faced severe civil disruption and gang dominance across key transit corridors and urban neighborhoods.
Search and Recovery Operation
Following the incident, the mission launched efforts to track down the missing personnel within the contested zone. Security personnel are actively looking for the five soldiers as operations continue on the ground.
International forces operating in Haiti face persistent risks from coordinated gang attacks, with criminal organizations retaining significant control over critical infrastructure and residential areas throughout the capital and surrounding regions. The U.N.-backed mission has not yet provided additional information on casualties or the specific armed group responsible for the assault.
