El Salvador sends troops to Haiti after soldiers ambushed and go missing

El Salvador has sent reinforcements to Haiti after four Salvadoran aviation technicians serving with the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force went missing following a gang ambush near Port-au-Prince on Oct. 18. Reports describe the deployment as roughly 1,000 soldiers, while more detailed accounts said the contingent had reached about 450 by Saturday, with further flights bringing personnel and equipment. President Nayib Bukele ordered the reinforcements as search-and-rescue efforts continue; the missing men were returning to base when their vehicle was attacked and set on fire. Haitian forces and Salvadoran personnel have also conducted joint operations, but it remains unclear who will command the expanded contingent or how long it will stay. The deployment comes as gangs control large parts of the capital and surrounding areas, displacing nearly 1.5 million people.