Since June 2019, the small Central American country has recorded a total of 194 days without a violent death, the lowest number in recent years.
Between January and September 10 this year, the number of days without a homicide was 103, of which 96 were officially recorded during the state of emergency that came into effect on March 27.
That figure shows the effectiveness of the government’s actions, which have arrested some 52,200 gang or mara members since the state of emergency was declared, although human rights organizations say innocent people are included in that total.
The security agencies say they won’t rest until they crush the maras, who intimidate the populace by jailing all gang members.
In general, the public supports action against these groups, and according to a Gallup poll, 84 percent support maintaining the suspension of bail bonds.
The day before, government authorities said that before the offensive against them, members of the gangs are hiding in the countryside and in the mountains to avoid arrest.
Mauricio Arriaza, director of the National Civil Police (PNC), assured that these criminal groups fled to the mountains to escape the authorities, but first received training to survive in secret camps.
Pre-preparation by these groups even enabled them to ambush government forces, although in these confrontations the better armed and trained uniformed officers prompted the criminals to flee, many of whom were reportedly captured.
Authorities said at least 200 camps were broken up and firearms, ammunition, drugs and cash were confiscated.
According to Defense Minister René Merino, the government’s strategy is to continuously patrol the rural areas, especially the mountainous areas, where the gangs are losing influence.
Press reports citing Bukele’s statements claim that criminal gangs are trying to prosper using guerrilla tactics.
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