Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé is set to visit El Salvador on November 16–17 to decide the future of 2,000 Salvadoran troops deployed in Haiti, Vice President Félix Ulloa confirmed. The bilateral talks will take place during an international conference on democracy in San Salvador, marking a critical moment to determine whether the contingent will extend its mission or outline a withdrawal timeline.

The military deployment, ordered by President Nayib Bukele, was launched following an October 18, 2026 ambush by criminal groups against a UN-backed Gang Suppression Force vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets, which left four Salvadoran personnel missing. Equipped with special forces, armored vehicles, and air support, the unit entered the gang-dominated territory to execute a high-stakes search-and-rescue operation.

Vice President Ulloa defended the mission’s tactical success, highlighting that operations in Croix-des-Bouquets have systematically reclaimed territory from criminal factions. “As we entered the area to rescue our compatriots, we have been clearing the zone, and that is what the Haitian people and government are seeing with great satisfaction,” Ulloa stated, noting that the pressure prompted Wilson Joseph, leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, to send a letter to the United Nations requesting a truce.

While Ulloa emphasized that El Salvador has achieved “tangible results with a fraction of the budget” compared to broader multilateral efforts, he clarified that San Salvador does not intend to replace the primary UN-backed multinational force. For now, all operational costs remain fully covered by the Salvadoran government as both leaderships prepare to negotiate the mission’s next phase.