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Port-au-Prince, Feb. 4, 2025 (Haiti Wire) — Seventy Salvadoran soldiers landed in Haiti on Tuesday to join the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), marking another step in the ongoing international effort to stabilize the country.
The troops were received at Toussaint Louverture International Airport by Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, along with Rameau Normil, director general of the Haitian National Police (PNH), and MSSM commander Godfrey Utunge. Also present were the French and Canadian ambassadors to Haiti, Antoine Michon and André François Guiroux.
According to Utunge, the Salvadoran soldiers bring critical expertise in aerial operations, which will be key for medical evacuations.
“These troops will support CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) and MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation) missions, ensuring rapid response for injured personnel,” he said.
The commander also expressed gratitude to the international community, particularly Canada, for its role in deploying the Salvadoran contingent.
The Kenyan-led MSSM continues to work alongside the PNH to combat Haiti’s escalating gang violence. As the Salvadoran soldiers settle into their roles, the MSSM commander is counting on their swift adaptation and dedication to the mission.
This deployment follows an earlier arrival of eight Salvadoran troops in January, fulfilling a commitment made by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to support Haiti’s security efforts.
