"We have almost completed the deployment of our soldiers and equipment on the territory of Haiti. This is not an operation against the Haitian people or an invasion of Haiti. We are not a great power. We have no interest in dominating the Haitian people or seizing Haiti's riches," wrote Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele in a message in Creole addressed to the Haitian people via his X account on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

"We are a modest developing country. The only thing we want is the return of our four aviation technicians. And we will teach a lesson to the gangs that are suffering the Haitian people, who are killing people that the people love, who prevent a normal life without fear," Bukele continued. "We are mainly financing this operation. Even though we have received some logistical help from other countries, it is with our own funds that we cover 90% of the expenses," Bukele explained.