A multinational effort to combat Haiti’s escalating gang crisis gained momentum this week as three specialized helicopters, donated by El Salvador and transported by a Ukrainian cargo carrier, arrived at Toussaint Louverture International Airport. The aircraft, part of the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support (MMAS) mission, aim to bolster medical evacuations and tactical operations in regions paralyzed by armed groups.
Helicopters to Enhance Crisis Response
The delivery, which included two medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) helicopters and one combat casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) unit, marks a critical upgrade for Haitian and international forces struggling to navigate gang-controlled areas. Salvadoran soldiers will pilot the aircraft, drawing on their country’s experience in countering organized crime.
“These helicopters are a game-changer,” said a senior MMAS official, who requested anonymity due to security concerns. “They allow us to evacuate civilians and officers from active conflict zones and deliver supplies to areas cut off by violence.”
The helicopters arrived aboard an Antonov An-124, operated by Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines, which specializes in transporting heavy machinery. Their deployment follows the arrival of 60 Salvadoran military advisers earlier this week and a contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers, who began securing key routes in Port-au-Prince on Thursday.
Gangs Tighten Grip on Strategic Regions
Haiti’s capital and the Artibonite department, a agricultural heartland now dominated by gangs, have seen a surge in kidnappings, sexual violence, and attacks on infrastructure. Over 2,500 people were killed or injured in gang-related violence in the first quarter of 2024 alone, according to UN figures.
The MMAS mission, authorized in late 2023, seeks to dismantle networks like the G9 Alliance, which controls 80% of Port-au-Prince. Yet progress has been hampered by limited air support and rugged terrain. “Gangs use mountains and urban sprawl as shields,” said Gédéon Jean, director of Haiti’s Center for Analysis and Human Rights. “Aerial mobility is essential to counter them.”
El Salvador’s Pivotal Role
El Salvador’s contribution reflects President Nayib Bukele’s strategy to position the country as a regional security leader. Since declaring war on gangs in 2022, Bukele has slashed homicide rates at home—a model some hope could inspire Haiti.
“Our troops bring hard-earned expertise in urban combat and crisis evacuation,” said Salvadoran Defense Minister René Merino. “This mission is both a moral duty and a strategic priority.”
Challenges Ahead
Critics caution that past international interventions, including the UN’s 2004–2017 stabilization mission, left lasting scars. A cholera outbreak introduced by peacekeepers and allegations of sexual abuse eroded public trust.
The MMAS has pledged stricter accountability, including vetting protocols for foreign personnel. Meanwhile, the U.S. has paused $15 million in funding for the mission over congressional concerns, though officials stress support remains “unwavering.”
A Fragile Hope
For Haitians like Marie-Claude Pierre, a nurse in Artibonite, the helicopters symbolize cautious optimism. “We’ve been abandoned for years,” she said. “If this helps stop the bleeding, even a little, it’s a start.”
As Salvadoran crews prepare for their first flights, the mission’s success may hinge on balancing force with fairness—and proving that this intervention learns from the failures of the past.
