PORT-AU-PRINCE – The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) issued a statement on Monday affirming its commitment to its security mandate in Haiti, despite ongoing violence and the disappearance of four Salvadoran soldiers ambushed eight days ago on the outskirts of the capital. “Following recent events involving personnel from the Salvadoran contingent, the GSF reaffirms its determination to fulfill its mission in support of Haiti’s security and stability,” the multinational force stated via social media. The GSF added that it would continue to exert pressure on criminal groups, asserting that acts of violence would not deter the mission from supporting the Haitian population. The statement was accompanied by images depicting GSF military convoys, personnel from Chad, and aerial surveillance operations over Port-au-Prince. Local media outlet Radio Télé Galaxie reported that the Haitian National Police, operating in coordination with the GSF, conducted an operation Sunday night in the Bel-Air neighborhood. According to police sources cited by the outlet, the operation resulted in the deaths of several armed gang members, targeting a group accused of involvement in numerous kidnappings within the metropolitan area. Separately, the Haitian Armed Forces held entrance examinations on Sunday to recruit new personnel. Approximately 2,000 candidates participated, with the goal of selecting 700 individuals. This recruitment drive is part of a broader government initiative to add 15,000 members to the armed forces over the next three years to bolster national security. Regarding the missing Salvadoran soldiers, the GSF confirmed on Sunday that it had received unidentified human remains that could potentially belong to the personnel. However, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele had previously disputed reports regarding the status of the soldiers. In response to the situation, the Haitian Network of Journalists Against Corruption (Rhajac) issued a statement on Monday urging President Bukele to exercise caution. The organization alleged the existence of a “secret agreement” between Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and gang leaders intended to maintain political power. Rhajac further called for operations to locate the missing soldiers to account for the “political, economic, and police support” that the organization claims benefits armed groups. Rhajac’s statement also alleged the existence of complicity between armed gangs and various sectors, including Haitian and international political circles, members of the private sector, and high-ranking officials within the Haitian National Police and the Dominican Republic’s police force.
Article source: El Nuevo Diario | Image credit: El Nuevo Diario