El Salvador Unleashes Military Firepower on Haitian Gang
A dramatic military assault on one of Haiti’s most feared gangs has brought a new twist to the Caribbean’s escalating battle against organised crime.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele says his forces destroyed the headquarters of the notorious 400 Mawozo gang near Port-au-Prince, releasing footage of helicopters attacking a compound as people fled.
The gang, notorious for kidnappings, murders and extortion, has helped terrorise communities already devastated by years of violence.
But why is El Salvador fighting gangs in Haiti?
The offensive follows the disappearance of four Salvadoran military technicians during an October ambush, prompting Bukele to deploy approximately 2,500 troops.
The gang’s leader, Wilson Joseph, reportedly escaped Sunday’s attack.
Haiti’s Prime Minister has welcomed Salvadoran assistance, while human-rights organisations are demanding accountability.
For Caribbean neighbours, including Trinidad and Tobago, the operation highlights the growing regional consequences of organised crime.
The destruction claims and reported casualties remain unverified.