The security forces in Cabañas have received a significant boost in their efforts to combat gang-related crime through the incorporation of cutting-edge technology in their security encirclement. With the implementation of virtual patrols, authorities have been able to traverse the 1,104 square kilometers of this northern department and apprehend gang members seeking refuge in rural areas while attempting to flee to neighboring regions.
On August 1, President Nayib Bukele ordered the establishment of a security encirclement, deploying 7,000 soldiers and 1,000 police officers to seal off all exit points for gang members within the nine municipalities of Cabañas. Situated in the northern paracentral region, Cabañas shares mountainous areas that connect to the Honduran department of Lempira, as well as the Salvadoran departments of Chalatenango, San Vicente, Cuscatlán, and San Miguel.
“The last remaining terrorists in the area should be aware that we possess all the technology and resources to combat and apprehend them,” declared Gustavo Villatoro, Minister of Justice and Security.
Photos released by the National Civil Police (PNC) showcase the use of drones for patrolling and verifying the presence of gangs. Unlike conventional drones, the police-operated drones are equipped with heat sensors, a range extending over several kilometers, and the ability to ascend more than 500 meters to avoid detection or interception by terrorists who have sought refuge in rural zones to evade authorities’ controls.
Using thermal cameras, the security forces can identify the presence of gang members and block their escape routes, resulting in their capture and subsequent processing by the Prosecutor’s Office for involvement in illicit associations and other crimes related to organized crime.
Since the implementation of Phase IV of the Territorial Control Plan, dubbed “Incursion,” the government under President Nayib Bukele has provided the Police and Armed Forces with abundant resources and state-of-the-art technology. These technological measures have proven to be indispensable tools for the police and soldiers in the security encirclement of Cabañas, as the use of drones has enabled virtual patrols and identified areas with a gang presence.
Over 30 gang members, including leaders who were involved in criminal activities in Cabañas, have been arrested, and authorities have confiscated firearms and other illegal items.
The implementation of specialized units, such as the Elite Division against Organized Crime (DECO), has further fortified the security measures in all nine municipalities.
“As a result, we are apprehending more terrorists who will be held accountable in prison for the decades of harm they have inflicted on our population,” asserted the security minister.
With the aid of advanced technology, the security forces continue their resolute commitment to upholding law and order in Cabañas, safeguarding the well-being of the populace and taking significant strides towards eradicating gang-related crime in the region.