In a decisive move to uphold public safety, the Government of El Salvador deployed a robust security cordon in San Bartolo, Ilopango, following intelligence reports confirming attempts by gang members to reorganize in the area.
President Nayib Bukele announced the operation early Saturday morning, stating that 1,500 soldiers and 500 police officers were mobilized in response to findings from police intelligence and citizen complaints. The deployment aims to prevent any resurgence of criminal structures and reinforce El Salvador’s position as the safest country in the region.
“We will extract every last terrorist hiding in that area. We will not allow them to regroup. The safest country on the continent is respected,” President Bukele declared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The security operation is part of the government’s ongoing Territorial Control Plan, which has significantly reduced homicide rates and dismantled criminal organizations since its implementation. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to act swiftly wherever gang presence is suspected, emphasizing that the protection of Salvadoran families remains the top priority.
This latest measure underscores El Salvador’s firm stance against organized crime and its strategy to maintain stability and peace in formerly high-risk zones like San Bartolo.