Hundreds of Haitians flooded the streets of Port-au-Prince and other cities over the weekend, voicing gratitude for El Salvador’s military intervention against the country’s brutal gangs. Demonstrators carried signs praising President Nayib Bukele and chanted slogans urging further action against armed groups that have terrorized communities for years.
Salvadoran Troops Deployed After Ambush
More than 2,000 Salvadoran soldiers remain stationed in Haiti as part of a U.N.-backed security mission, though most operate independently of the multinational force. The deployment followed the October 18 ambush and disappearance of four Salvadoran aircraft technicians working with the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). Bukele has vowed to dismantle Haitian gangs unless the missing men are returned safely.
‘When They See Bukele, They Get Scared’
Protesters in Port-au-Prince chanted Creole phrases translating to “When they see Bukele, they get scared” and “Call Bukele for me, I’m dying,” according to EFE reports. Emotional testimonies emerged from victims who lost homes and livelihoods to gang violence. One woman described fleeing naked with her children after armed groups looted everything, including her underwear.
Loss of Faith in Haitian Authorities
Demonstrators in multiple cities accused Haiti’s government of failing to confront gang dominance, with some explicitly transferring their hopes to Bukele’s forces. A Haitian police officer admitted institutional collapse left security forces vulnerable, telling media he’d “stand with” foreign troops offering real protection.
Operational Gains and Diplomatic Talks
Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa reported progress in Croix-des-Bouquets, the ambush site northeast of the capital. He emphasized their operations achieve “much more tangible results” than U.N. efforts at a fraction of the cost. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry is scheduled to visit El Salvador next week to discuss the mission’s future.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2026/11/09/haitians-take-to-the-streets-to-thank-nayib-bukele-and-el-salvadors-troops/