El Salvador's army and police have engaged in one of the country's biggest actions since President Nayib Bukele declared war on gangs in March 2022.
Dozens of houses were raided and civilians searched in Cabanjas province. The government has sent more than 8 soldiers and police to Cabanjas province to defeat the gangs.
The big action started after several armed attacks against the police. The president has stated that members of the notorious MS-13 and Barrio 18 criminal gangs are hiding in Cabanjas province, the AP reported.
Bukele's government has suspended constitutional rights and arrested 71 people, all accused of being part of gangs.
30 percent of them have clear ties to organized crime. Over the past week, El Salvador's congress has passed legislation allowing courts to convict gang members in mass trials.
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El Salvador employs 4 members of the security forces
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Over five thousand soldiers to eliminate gangs in the city of El Salvador
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El Salvador jails another 2,000 suspects who will "never return" to the streets
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El Salvador commits 10 troops to suppress criminal gangs
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US deports gang members to El Salvador, despite court ruling