The Salvadoran government has intensified its efforts to combat gang activity through the deployment of specialized units in rural areas and the installation of security fences in urban zones. Defense Minister René Francis Merino Monroy announced on Monday that the Armed Forces and the National Civil Police (PNC) are working together to locate and remove remnants of criminal gangs across the country.

“In rural areas, specialized units conduct patrols to locate gang remnants, while in urban areas, security fences help identify and detain members with the collaboration of the population,” Minister Merino Monroy stated.

The minister explained that gangs have lost the territorial control they once held. “The State, through its security forces, has regained control over areas previously dominated by gangs. However, remnants remain, and the population is actively reporting them,” he added.

Merino Monroy noted that gangs have altered their tactics under the emergency regime, making it harder to identify members, as they no longer openly mark territories or display tattoos. “Some gang members even attend universities or work as lawyers, so intelligence operations are essential to locate them,” he said.

The minister emphasized that citizen cooperation is crucial. “The police conduct thorough investigations to locate gang members, and reports from the public are key. Specialized units work daily in rural areas, while security cordons in urban areas help extract gangs and maintain safety,” he explained.

Security cordons have proven effective: once an area is cleared of gang activity, police and military presence may be reduced, but measures remain in place to ensure long-term stability and public safety.