By Haiti24News Staff
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — In a significant development aimed at addressing Haiti’s escalating security crisis, a contingent of 75 soldiers from El Salvador and the United States has landed in the Caribbean nation. Their arrival marks a new phase in the deployment of a multinational force tasked with restoring stability and combating rampant gang violence that has plagued the country for years.
The joint Salvadoran American deployment is part of a broader international effort to support Haiti’s beleaguered security forces. The multinational mission, which has been in the planning stages for months, seeks to quell the surge in kidnappings, armed attacks, and territorial disputes between gangs that have destabilized the country and displaced thousands of civilians.
“This mission is about standing with the people of Haiti during their time of need,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense. “Our goal is to help create a secure environment where Haitians can rebuild their lives and their communities.”
The Salvadoran troops, known for their experience in combating gang violence in Central America, bring specialized skills to the mission. Meanwhile, the American soldiers will provide logistical support, intelligence, and training to Haitian security forces. The collaboration underscores the international community’s commitment to addressing Haiti’s security challenges, which have been compounded by political instability and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Haiti has faced a deepening security vacuum since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Gangs have since expanded their control over large swaths of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other regions, disrupting daily life and hindering the delivery of critical aid. The United Nations estimates that nearly 5 million Haitians—almost half the population—need humanitarian assistance.
The arrival of the multinational force has been met with mixed reactions. While many Haitians welcome the intervention as a necessary step to restore order, others express concerns about the potential for foreign troops to overstay their mandate or exacerbate tensions. “We need help, but we also need to ensure that this mission respects Haiti’s sovereignty,” said Jean-Pierre, a Port-au-Prince resident who asked to be identified only by his first name for safety reasons. “The focus should be on empowering our institutions to take control in the long term.”
The multinational force’s mandate includes supporting the Haitian National Police, securing key infrastructure, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, experts caution that lasting security will require more than a military presence.
“This mission is a critical first step, but it must be part of a broader strategy that includes political dialogue, economic recovery, and social development,” said Pierre Esperance, a Haitian human rights advocate. “Without addressing the root causes of the crisis, we risk repeating the same cycles of violence.”
As the Salvadoran and American troops begin their operations, the international community is closely watching the situation. The success of the mission could have far-reaching implications not only for Haiti but also for regional stability in the Caribbean.
For now, the arrival of these soldiers offers a glimmer of hope for a nation desperate for peace and security.
