Haiti gang violence: latest events

Story so far

1. 22 Oct 2026 ▲ Escalating

   El Salvador launches operation to free four UN force members held by Haitian gangs

   On Wednesday President Nayib Bukele said Haitian gangs were holding four Salvadoran members of a UN-backed security force hostage, and that he had launched a military operation to bring them back unharmed. Earlier, on Tuesday, reports said dozens of people were killed near Port-au-Prince, including the mayor of Kenscoff, who had sent officials hundreds of letters warning of gang threats.

2. 21 Oct 2026 ▲ Escalating

   El Salvador launches operation to retrieve four hostage members of UN-backed force

   On Wednesday, President Nayib Bukele said Haitian gangs were holding four Salvadoran members of a UN-backed security force hostage, and that he had launched a military operation to bring them back unharmed. Earlier reports on Monday said five Salvadoran soldiers were missing after an ambush and apparently abducted. On Tuesday, the mayor of Kenscoff, who had sent officials hundreds of letters warning of gang threats, was among dozens of people killed.

   El Salvador launches military operation in Haiti to retrieve four…

3. 20 Oct 2026 ▲ Escalating

   Kenscoff mayor among dozens killed after repeated warnings of gang threats

   The mayor of Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, was among dozens of people killed, according to a report published Tuesday. He had sent officials hundreds of letters warning of gang threats. On Monday the UN told the Security Council that armed groups are stepping up reprisals against civilians and extending their reach into rural areas, and that elections are on hold.

   Kenscoff mayor who warned of gang massacre near Haiti's capital dies…

4. 19 Oct 2026 ▲ Escalating

   Five Salvadoran soldiers missing in Haiti after ambush as UN force fights for capital

   Five Salvadoran soldiers with the UN-backed force are missing after an ambush and were apparently abducted. The new UN military force is trying to take control of Port-au-Prince from gangs. The UN told the Security Council that armed groups are stepping up reprisals against civilians and extending into rural areas, and that elections are on hold.

   UN warns Haiti elections on hold as gangs adapt to security crackdown · New UN military force fights to wrest Port-au-Prince from gangs · Five Salvadoran soldiers missing in Haiti after ambush

Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.