Haiti's prime minister Fils-Aimé speaks out as concerns over El Salvador's troops deepen

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s prime minister spoke publicly on Tuesday for the first time since four Salvadoran aviation technicians went missing last month, prompting El Salvador to deploy more than 2,000 troops to the troubled Caribbean country as scrutiny over their operations intensifies.Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said Haiti, which is battling powerful gangs, is responsible for the direction of foreign forces in his country.“The international force is not here to replace the state,” he said. “They’re here to support us.”Fils-Aimé was flanked from behind by an army colonel from El Salvador, a leader of the U.N.-backed gang suppression force, and officials from Haiti’s army and police. It appeared to be a show of unity as concerns grow about Salvadoran troops acting unilaterally.Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. They now control 70% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their activities, including looting, kidnapping,