El Salvador launches an operation to rescue its soldiers held in Haiti

"Do not take our word for empty threats. We have already finished with the gangs in El Salvador, and we can finish with you too."

— Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador

Bukele said the four air force members were pilots and technicians who carried out medical evacuations, and were seized while returning from buying food at a market.

The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force said it engaged gang members with helicopter support, and early reports indicated several were killed. No gang has claimed the attack.

Haiti's government called the soldiers' release an absolute priority and met at the prime minister's office to strengthen operations.