As of Sunday, November 17, El Salvador has reached an impressive milestone under the administration of President Nayib Bukele, with 755 days of zero homicides since he assumed office. The National Civil Police (PNC) reported that the country has seen 13 days without homicides so far this month, continuing a trend of significant reductions in violence.
This remarkable achievement is attributed to the ongoing implementation of the Territorial Control Plan (PCT), a security strategy that has intensified efforts to dismantle criminal gangs. Police and military forces have conducted extensive operations across the country, removing gang members from neighborhoods and incarcerating them in high-security prisons.
In addition to the 755 days without homicides, El Salvador has experienced two periods of six consecutive days with zero murders in November alone — from November 1 to 6 and again from November 8 to 13. However, despite this progress, authorities reported four homicides in the month so far, occurring on November 7, 14, 15, and 16.
The PCT, combined with the exceptional state of emergency declared in March 2022, has been a cornerstone of the country’s security gains. The exceptional regime allowed authorities to carry out mass arrests, particularly targeting gang leaders and their collaborators, resulting in a substantial drop in violence. As of 2024, El Salvador has recorded 237 days without homicides, with several months showing impressive results: 24 days in January and February, 22 in March, and 19 in April, among others.
In 2023, El Salvador saw a remarkable reduction in crime, with an average of just 0.4 homicides per day. The country achieved an extraordinary 94.8% resolution rate for crimes committed in that year, with 146 individuals arrested and prosecuted for their involvement in homicides. Notably, El Salvador also recorded the highest global rate of solved homicide cases, as reported by the security cabinet.
In 2024, the government is optimistic that the country will experience its safest year in history, with continued success in the fight against organized crime and violence.
The Territorial Control Plan, along with a broader commitment to strengthening law enforcement, has proven to be a transformative strategy for El Salvador. As the country moves forward, officials remain focused on building a safer, more secure future for its citizens.