Croix-des-Bouquets:San Salvador El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has issued a stern warning to Haitian gangs, threatening a military offensive if four Salvadoran aviation technicians, who are being held hostage, are not released. The technicians are part of an international mission in Haiti aimed at medical evacuations and saving lives.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Bukele announced a military operation to rescue the hostages, emphasizing the priority of bringing them home safely. He warned the gangs that the initial operation was just the beginning if the hostages were not returned unharmed.

The hostages were reportedly kidnapped while returning from a supermarket. Bukele highlighted his government's success in combating gangs in El Salvador and suggested similar actions could be taken against Haitian gangs. He urged the gang leaders to avoid further escalation by releasing the hostages.

The four Salvadorans were part of the international Gang Suppression Force supporting Haitian security forces. They disappeared after an ambush near Croix-des-Bouquets, where their armored vehicle was attacked and caught fire. Continued fighting in the area has complicated rescue efforts, highlighting the security challenges of the mission.