Four Salvadoran air force members missing after gang ambush in Haiti

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, four Salvadoran air force members deployed with the international Gang Suppression Force in Haiti went missing after an ambush by armed gangs. The attack occurred in the Santo area of Port-au-Prince, where the soldiers' armored vehicle was hit by explosives and caught fire. They fled the vehicle but contact was lost. Salvadoran helicopters sent to assist also came under fire. The Gang Suppression Force confirmed the attack but did not specify the number of personnel. The area is controlled by gangs, and no group has claimed responsibility. The incident is the first major attack on the force since it began operations, and it comes as Haiti prepares for elections.