In a coordinated effort between the United States military and Salvadoran authorities, a group of 17 criminals affiliated with the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs has been transferred to El Salvador’s high-security prison, the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (Cecot). This megaprison, designed to house the country’s most dangerous criminals, has once again become the destination for individuals accused of heinous crimes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided details on the operation, which has been classified as an anti-terrorism initiative.

“Last night, in a successful counterterrorism operation with our allies in El Salvador, the United States military transferred a group of 17 violent criminals from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 organizations, including murderers and rapists,” Rubio announced on his X account.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele confirmed the joint operation and emphasized the severity of the crimes committed by those transferred.

“All the individuals are confirmed murderers and high-profile criminals, including six child rapists,” Bukele stated.

This marks the second such transfer in March. Earlier this month, El Salvador received 238 members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, all of whom were also transported to Cecot. The United States has agreed to pay a fee to El Salvador in exchange for housing these prisoners.

Rubio expressed his appreciation for President Bukele’s continued support in combating organized crime and terrorism.

“Once again, we extend our gratitude to Nayib Bukele and the government of El Salvador for their unparalleled collaboration in making our countries safer from transnational crime and terrorism,” he said.

Both the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 are notorious for their involvement in drug trafficking, kidnappings, homicides, and extortion. The transfer of these criminals to Cecot represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to dismantle their operations and curb their influence across the region.