President Bukele Launches Major Military Operation to Combat Gang Violence in El Salvador

In response to two recent homicides in the northern part of El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele announced the launch of a large-scale military operation with five thousand soldiers and police officers. The operation aims to combat criminal activities carried out by gangs in the region.

The president stated that the culprits responsible for the homicides were members of the 18 Sureños gang and had already been captured. Currently, five thousand soldiers and a thousand police officers have surrounded neighborhoods such as San José Cancasque, San Antonio Los Ranchos, Potonico, and San Isidro Labrador to dismantle criminal activities in the area.

Bukele emphasized that the operation would continue until all remnants of gang activities were eradicated. Similar operations have been conducted in the past, including one in the Cabañas region last year involving eight thousand personnel resulting in the arrest of crime leaders. Since taking office in 2019, Bukele has been known for his efforts in fighting organized crime, which has led to a significant decrease in the country’s homicide rate.

Under Bukele’s administration, strict measures have been implemented against crime, resulting in a drastic reduction in the homicide rate. The president’s actions, including restricting certain constitutional rights, have been widely supported by Salvadoran citizens. Thousands of criminals have been arrested and incarcerated during his tenure, contributing to a safer environment in the country.