Haiti launches major crackdown on criminal gangs with support from 2,000 Salvadoran troops

Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has announced a major offensive against the armed gangs controlling large parts of Haiti, backed by more than 2,000 troops deployed by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele.

Speaking on Tuesday, November 3, the Haitian leader declared that his government was determined to restore security, regain control of the national territory and create the conditions necessary to hold credible democratic elections.

"We have entered a decisive phase. We have reached 4,000 international troops in Haiti. With these reinforcements, the gangs will no longer be able to sleep," Fils-Aimé stated.

He also issued a direct warning to criminal organisations, declaring that "their time is running out."

The international deployment consists of more than 2,000 Salvadoran soldiers alongside personnel from several countries participating in the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), established under a United Nations Security Council mandate.

Bukele deploys more than 2,000 soldiers to Haiti

El Salvador's military involvement intensified following the disappearance of four Salvadoran soldiers on October 18, after armed gangs ambushed them in Croix-des-Bouquets, on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince.

In response, President Nayib Bukele deployed more than 2,000 troops to Haiti, initially to help locate the missing soldiers and support operations against the criminal organisations responsible.

The Haitian prime minister publicly thanked Bukele for his assistance, highlighting the Salvadoran president's experience confronting powerful gangs in his own country.

"He experienced this battle and emerged from it. He has not only understood our struggle, but has come to stand alongside the Haitian people," Fils-Aimé said.

The prime minister also suggested that the offensive would target not only armed gang members but also individuals and networks financing and supporting criminal organisations.

Security forces expand operations across Port-au-Prince

Haitian security forces are already conducting operations in several areas of metropolitan Port-au-Prince, including Kenscoff, Pétion-Ville and Gressier.

The government has also announced plans to expand operations into the West and Artibonite departments, as well as the Central Plateau.

These regions have experienced significant insecurity as armed groups have expanded their influence beyond the capital.

The international Gang Suppression Force has also made more than 100 armoured vehicles available to Haitian authorities to support security operations.

Despite the substantial foreign military presence, Fils-Aimé insisted that Haiti retains political and strategic control over the campaign against criminal gangs.

He rejected suggestions that Salvadoran troops were operating independently of the Haitian authorities.

"International forces are not in Haiti to replace the state, but to support it, strengthen our capabilities and help us in the fight to eradicate the gangs," he explained.

Haitian government promises to respect human rights

The prime minister also addressed concerns about potential human rights violations during the military campaign.

Fils-Aimé stressed that all operations must comply with Haitian law and the country's international human rights obligations, regardless of which security forces are involved.

"We are not at war with the people. We are fighting the gangs that are holding the population hostage. Civilians must be protected. Criminals must be punished," he declared.

The Haitian leader insisted that his government would not tolerate mistreatment, unlawful violence or human rights abuses during the offensive.

He also argued that the seriousness of the security crisis made discipline, accountability and respect for the law more important than ever.

Haiti aims to restore security ahead of 2027 elections

The expansion of armed gangs has plunged Haiti into a prolonged political, humanitarian and security crisis, preventing the country from holding regular democratic elections in recent years.

Gang violence has weakened state institutions, displaced communities and severely disrupted daily life across several regions.

The continuing instability has forced authorities to postpone the country's presidential and legislative elections.

The first round, previously scheduled for December 13, 2026, has now been moved to July 18, 2027.

Whether the elections can take place will depend heavily on the government's ability to restore sufficient security across the country.

With thousands of international personnel now involved and direct military support from Nayib Bukele, Haiti's government is seeking to dismantle powerful criminal gangs, re-establish state authority and end years of violence that have paralysed the Caribbean nation.

The coming operations will be a major test of whether international military assistance can help Haiti regain control of areas dominated by armed groups while preserving civilian protections and national sovereignty.