Haiti’s Gang Repression Force (FSP) announced Wednesday ongoing search operations to locate four Salvadoran military personnel who went missing last month following a brazen armed attack on their vehicle. The incident unfolded on October 18 in the Santo district of Croix-des-Bouquets, a commuter and industrial zone located just 12 kilometers outside Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
According to FSP statements, security forces launched large-scale search and clearance operations across the targeted area starting Sunday, backed by air support from military helicopters that engaged positions held by armed gang factions. Initial after-action assessments confirm that multiple gang fighters were killed and a number of others sustained injuries during intense armed clashes between security personnel and criminal groups.
The violence also left four FSP service members wounded; officials confirmed the injured personnel are already receiving urgent medical care for their injuries and their conditions are being monitored closely.
In the wake of the attack, the FSP extended formal gratitude to the government of El Salvador for its immediate coordination and commitment of additional support to resolve the situation. Civilian safety authorities have issued a formal advisory urging all residents of Santo and neighboring surrounding communities to shelter in place and steer clear of all active security operation zones to avoid putting themselves at risk of crossfire or harm.
FSP officials note that investigations and search operations are still progressing, and the agency plans to release official updates to the public as new information is confirmed through verified government channels, to ensure accurate public reporting on the developing situation.