Haitian security forces have regained control of the country’s main football stadium after it remained under the control of armed gangs for approximately two years, marking a significant development in the country’s ongoing battle against organised criminal groups.

The operation, which took place on Thursday, November 12, involved the Haitian National Police, a government-linked security task force and Salvadoran forces deployed to support security operations in the Caribbean nation.

The stadium, known as Stade Sylvio Cator, is located in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital. It previously served as the home ground of the country’s national football team before armed gangs took control of the facility in 2024.

According to reports, the Haitian National Police announced that it had established full control of the stadium and surrounding areas following the joint security operation.

After the operation, Salvadoran soldiers took responsibility for securing the recovered facility.

Stadium Had Been Under Gang Control Since 2024

The Stade Sylvio Cator is one of Haiti’s most recognisable sporting facilities. With a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators, it was an important venue for domestic football and international matches involving the Haitian national team.

However, the country’s worsening security crisis forced the stadium out of normal sporting use after armed gangs seized control of the area in February 2024.

The situation also affected the national football team, which had to play its home matches outside the country, with Curaçao serving as its main base for international fixtures.

Haiti’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought renewed attention to the country’s footballing ambitions despite the difficult security conditions at home.

The recovery of the stadium could therefore represent an important step towards restoring sporting activities and public confidence, although further security measures will be necessary before normal events can safely resume.

Salvadoran Forces Join Security Operation

The recovery operation is connected to a broader security deployment involving El Salvador.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele had ordered the deployment of more than 2,000 soldiers to Haiti following the disappearance of four Salvadoran military personnel in October after an attack in Port-au-Prince.

The operation also involved efforts to weaken the influence of powerful armed groups operating across the capital.

Bukele announced that the joint operation had successfully recovered Stade Sylvio Cator and its facilities.

He also disclosed that human remains were discovered inside the stadium during the operation.

According to the Salvadoran president, the recovered facility would be used as an operational base to support further efforts to reclaim areas controlled by armed gangs.

The announcement suggests that authorities intend to use the stadium not only as a recovered public facility but also as a strategic location for subsequent security operations.

Haiti’s Security Crisis Remains a Major Concern

Despite the recovery of the stadium, Haiti continues to face serious security challenges.

Armed gangs have maintained influence over large parts of Port-au-Prince, affecting residential communities, businesses, transportation routes and essential public services.

The country’s security crisis has contributed to widespread displacement, economic disruption and humanitarian difficulties.

The United Nations has repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of gang violence on civilians and the ability of Haitian institutions to maintain public order.

The recovery of the national stadium is therefore an important development, but it does not necessarily mean that the wider security crisis has been resolved.

Authorities will still face the difficult task of securing surrounding neighbourhoods, restoring public services and preventing armed groups from returning to previously recovered locations.

What the Development Means for Haitian Football

For Haitian football supporters, the recovery of Stade Sylvio Cator carries considerable symbolic importance.

The stadium represents an important part of the country’s sporting history and national identity.

Its return to government control could eventually create opportunities for football activities to resume in Port-au-Prince, provided the authorities can guarantee the safety of players, supporters and other users.

However, there has been no confirmed announcement that the stadium will immediately reopen for football matches.

For now, the immediate priority remains maintaining security around the facility and strengthening government control over the surrounding territory.

The operation offers Haiti an important opportunity to reclaim a major national sporting landmark, although the country’s wider struggle against armed gangs remains far from over.

Source: EFE, AFP and international reporting on the November 12 security operation.