El Salvador launches Haiti rescue mission for 4 kidnapped crew
Why it matters: The attack highlights gang control in Port-au-Prince and pressure on a U.N.-backed force that has struggled to curb violence.
El Salvador launched a military operation in Haiti to recover four Salvadoran aviation technicians who went missing after gangs ambushed their armored vehicle near Port-au-Prince on Sunday. President Nayib Bukele said the men were taken hostage after jumping from the burning vehicle in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets while returning from a market to their base. Haiti's government called the abduction an absolute priority and said officials were coordinating with the international Gang Suppression Force. The U.N.-backed mission, deployed to help Haitian police fight armed groups, has reached just over a third of its planned size and has had limited impact as gangs expanded their hold over the capital.