El Salvador is exporting the ‘Bukele model’ to Haiti – but the gang offensive is a gamble for both nations
Haiti’s war on gangs is increasingly relying on a patchwork of foreign troops and private militias, making accountability more complicated.
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has been sending troops, armored vehicles, and attack helicopters to Haiti to combat violent gangs, marking a significant escalation in the country's security strategy. The operation, which began in October 2026, has resulted in civilian casualties, including the death of Wilson Joseph, leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, though reports vary on Joseph's presence during the attack.
This intervention is being seen as both a test of Bukele's security model and a dramatic escalation in Haiti's fight against organized crime. While some regional leaders and pro-Bukele networks support the move, concerns over civilian casualties and the long-term efficacy of military gains remain. The Salvadoran Army's involvement in Haiti, initially part of the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force, has grown exponentially, with approximately 2,500 troops now present.
However, the mission's rules of engagement remain unclear, raising questions about accountability and the potential for friendly fire incidents. The situation in Haiti has become dire, with organized violence leading to near-armed conflict status, nearly 6,000 deaths in 2025, and over 4,000 in the first nine months of 2026. The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned of the risks to civilians, urging respect for international law.
Despite U.S. support for Bukele, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has distanced Washington from the offensive, highlighting potential risks to multinational troops and civilians.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
