El Salvador's military has reportedly launched a significant operation against one of Haiti's most notorious crime gangs, the 400 Mawozo, destroying their headquarters in an attack that took place on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. According to El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, the operation was carried out jointly with Haiti's National Police drone task force and resulted in most gang members fleeing without resistance. The attack, which occurred last month, comes as part of a mission aimed at rescuing four missing Salvadoran technicians abducted in October. Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed gratitude for the Salvadoran military's involvement and pledged continued cooperation between the two nations to regain control over the territory and restore state authority. The attack on the gang's stronghold, situated in Croix-des-Bouquets, has raised concerns about the operational legitimacy and legality of the actions taken by Salvadoran forces in Haiti, with human rights groups urging both countries to ensure compliance with international human rights law.
The 400 Mawozo gang, known for kidnappings, extortion, murders, and arms trafficking, has been a significant factor in Haiti's ongoing struggle against gang violence. As the poorest country in the Americas, Haiti remains largely under the control of heavily armed groups that have caused over 5,700 deaths or injuries between January and September this year alone, according to the United Nations. El Salvador, on the other hand, has experienced a significant reduction in gang violence under President Bukele's leadership. However, human rights organizations have criticized his methods as unlawful, citing concerns about emergency laws, detainee treatment, and mass trials of alleged gang members in El Salvador's high-security mega-prison.
The attack on the 400 Mawozo's headquarters appears to be a response to a call for action on social media, with Bukele promising to directly target gang leaders. The operation has sparked debate and raised questions about the legitimacy of Salvadoran forces in Haiti, with some critics expressing concerns about their command structure within the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Amnesty International has urged both countries to ensure that all operations conducted by Salvadoran forces comply with international human rights law.