El Salvador has initiated a large-scale operation to combat street gang members, deploying thousands of security personnel to Cabanas province to apprehend suspects involved in organized crime.

This ongoing crackdown on criminal activities was launched by President Nayib Bukele in March 2022. The recent operation was triggered by a shooting attack on a police patrol vehicle over the weekend, which resulted in the injury of two officers.

To address the situation, President Bukele dispatched approximately 1,000 police officers and 7,000 soldiers to the rural province, which shares a border with Honduras, the Daily Express has reported.

Reports indicate that military trucks carrying soldiers were visible on the streets of regional towns like Tejutepeque and Ilobaso. The security forces set up checkpoints on all roads leading in or out of the province.

President Bukele asserted that notorious gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18 sought refuge in the region to evade his crackdown. Nevertheless, he emphasized that they would not elude justice and will be held accountable for their actions.

Written by staff