Salvadoran military deployment against gangs in Port-au-Prince

Armored vehicles and soldiers from El Salvador were spotted at the Champ de Mars in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area on Thursday, November 12. These forces have been deployed since November 10 to fight armed groups in Haiti on the orders of Salvadoran President Nayib BUKELE.

BUKELE had previously announced his intention to attack the residence and headquarters of Wilson Joseph, alias "Lanmò San Jou," leader of the 400 Mawozo gang. A video posted by his official account shows Salvadoran helicopters firing rockets at these locations.

Military operations

The soldiers also killed Mathias SAINTIL, a gang leader in Cité Soleil. These actions are intended to weaken criminal groups but raise concerns regarding oversight and civilian consequences.

Amnesty International is calling for the publication of the agreement governing the military deployment, as well as more information on its operational procedures. Stéphane DUJARRIC, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, indicated that a large portion of the soldiers are not part of the Gang Repression Force (FRG) and are therefore not subject to the same rules.

Reactions

Prime Minister Alix Didier FILS-AIMÉ supports this security cooperation with El Salvador, asserting that it will produce results. However, Amnesty International is warning of the risks to the civilian population and is demanding an independent investigation into any potential human rights violations.