"We kept our promise": Bukele confirms the destruction of Lanmò San Jou's house

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has confirmed the destruction of the residence used by Wilson Joseph, alias "Lanmò San Jou," the alleged leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, and of what he presents as the gang's headquarters in Croix-des-Bouquets. "Promises kept… We destroyed the house of Lanmò San Jou and the headquarters of the 400 Mawozo gang," he wrote on social media, posting a video of the operation showing helicopters and airstrikes.

"Most of the gang members fled without even trying to fight. What cowards!" he added.

A night operation, with drones and helicopters

The operation took place around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026. A special unit of the Haitian National Police (PNH) advanced on foot, supported by explosive drones and four helicopters, two of which were piloted by Salvadoran military personnel, according to initial reports.

Wilson Joseph was not in the house at the time of the attack. According to tolls reported on Tuesday, the operation left at least 20 dead. No official toll has been released and the identity of the victims has not been disclosed.

A promise made three days earlier

On November 5, Nayib Bukele had replied on X to a post showing a house attributed to the gang leader: "Where is this house? As soon as we have the exact address, we will demolish it."

A few days before the attack, a letter attributed to Lanmò San Jou requested UN mediation and proposed November 18 for opening negotiations.

Fils-Aimé praises Bukele

On Tuesday, November 10, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé praised on X the commitment of the Salvadoran forces and thanked Nayib Bukele for his support. He credited the PNH, the Armed Forces of Haiti, the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and international partners for the operations. "Ayiti, Salvador, GSF: menm konba, menm detèminasyon!" ("Haiti, El Salvador, GSF: same fight, same determination"), he wrote, ending with: "Gang yo pap gen dòmi nan je!" ("The gangs will get no sleep!")