El Salvador’s government recently launched a major security operation in response to high criminal gang activity in five northern neighborhoods. With 3,000 officers involved, including 2,000 soldiers and 1,000 police armed with rifles, the operation targeted the town of Apopa, just 13 kilometers from the capital.
President Nayib Bukele announced the operation on social media, sharing a video of troops marching into the neighborhoods. Initial results included the arrest of four members of the 18 Revolucionarios gang, a major source of violence in the country alongside Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
This crackdown is part of Bukele’s ongoing war against gangs, fulfilling his promise made in February 2022. El Salvador has been in a state of emergency since March 27, 2022, following a weekend with 87 homicides. Since then, over 79,200 suspects have been arrested, significantly reducing the crime rate in the country.
Despite these achievements, concerns have been raised by human rights organizations regarding inhumane treatment and deaths in police custody. Bukele, however, continues to support the security forces’ actions, claiming that the Armed Forces are close to a significant victory without giving specific details.