Gangs Ambush GSF Armored Vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets; Four Salvadoran Personnel Missing

On October 18, 2026 gangs fired on and set ablaze an armored vehicle carrying Salvadoran Gang Suppression Force personnel in Croix-des-Bouquets, using explosives; helicopters sent to the area also came under fire. Four Salvadoran aviation technicians who fled the burning vehicle are unaccounted for. AP called it the first major attack on the force since it began operations. No group has claimed responsibility. The GSF later reported at least seven gang members killed and four GSF personnel wounded in ensuing clashes.