Haiti stadium reclaimed from gangs, skulls found inside

Security forces have regained control of Haiti’s largest stadium in Port-au-Prince following a joint operation involving Haitian and El Salvadoran units. The facility had been under the grip of armed gangs for approximately two years. Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, announced that numerous human skulls were discovered within the structure during the raid.

Stadium secured by joint forces

The Sylvio Cator Stadium, which previously hosted home matches for the Haiti national football team, fell back into state hands on November 13, 2026. This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing campaign against gang violence in the Caribbean nation. The operation involved personnel from the National Police of Haiti, the Haitian Armed Forces, and special units from El Salvador.

Bukele confirmed the successful completion of the mission on November 12. He stated that the stadium was secured as part of a bilateral agreement between the two countries. During his address, he highlighted the grim discovery of multiple human skulls inside the venue.

Skulls found without official verification

Details regarding the identity of the remains, their duration at the site, or the cause of death have not been officially released. Independent sources have yet to verify the claim that skulls were found. The announcement has heightened concerns about activities conducted by gangs while they controlled the area.

Following the seizure of the stadium and its surroundings, security responsibilities were transferred to El Salvadoran troops. Reports indicate these units will deploy within the stadium to use it as a base for future operations.

Ultimatum issued to gang members

Bukele described the stadium as a strategic hub for upcoming actions targeting neighborhoods still under gang influence. He asserted that security forces now hold superiority on the ground. In a direct message to armed groups, the Salvadoran leader demanded they vacate the area before new attacks commence.

He warned that those choosing to engage in conflict with security forces would face consequences. Bukele declared that operations would continue advancing into territories currently controlled by criminal organizations.

Military presence expanded after ambush

El Salvador significantly increased its military footprint in Haiti following an incident on October 18. Four Salvadoran aviation technicians went missing after being ambushed by armed gangs. These personnel were serving with a UN-backed international security mission.

Search efforts for the four missing individuals prompted the deployment of more than 2,000 soldiers from El Salvador to Haiti. Over time, these operations broadened to include strikes against powerful local groups such as the 400 Mawozo gang. Bukele recently noted the destruction of this group’s headquarters.

National team forced to play abroad

The 10,000-seat Sylvio Cator Stadium is considered a central pillar of Haitian football. However, since gangs took control in February 2024, the national team could no longer host matches there. Due to persistent security issues, the squad has been compelled to play home games in other countries.

The recapture of the venue is viewed as a critical step in narrowing the zones controlled by gangs in the capital. Despite this progress, armed groups maintain dominance over large sections of Port-au-Prince, deepening the country’s security crisis.

Violence toll rises sharply

Data from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti reveals a severe escalation in violence. Between July and September alone, at least 1,167 people were killed and 459 injured in violent incidents across the nation.

El Salvador’s extensive military interventions have sparked debate on the international stage. Human rights organizations have called for the protection of civilians and adherence to international law during these operations. Observers suggest that military activity in the region may intensify further in the coming days.