By Basant El-Faramawy
Haitian police have discovered the charred remains of a vehicle used by four missing Salvadoran aviation technicians who were attacked over two weeks ago in gang-controlled territory, authorities announced Tuesday. The vehicle was found on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince in the Santo neighborhood of Croix-des-Bouquets, an area controlled by violent gangs, though police encountered no resistance during the operation.
Salvadoran Deployment Raises Questions
The attack on October 18 prompted Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to deploy more than 2,000 troops to Haiti to assist in the search. The deployment has raised questions about command authority, as the United Nations says the Salvadoran forces are operating outside the U.N.-backed gang suppression force and must follow international law. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has stated that foreign forces are under Haitian command, but Bukele has not confirmed that for Salvadoran soldiers.
Bukele Vows to Defeat 'Traitors'
In a post on X, Bukele invoked Haitian independence hero Jean-Jacques Dessalines and accused unnamed individuals of betraying the liberator, saying some are gang members, others finance gangs or supply weapons, and some prevent Haitians from gaining freedom. He promised to rid Haiti of its "traitors" and said Salvadoran forces are not enemies but share the same courage.
Gang Leader Calls for Dialogue
As fighting surges, Wilson Joseph, known as Lanmò Sanjou and leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, told The Associated Press he wrote to the U.N. secretary-general requesting a delegation for dialogue, expressing concern about civilian killings.
