Central America
Security fences in El Salvador prevented gangs from regrouping
May 1 |
In addition to providing security to the population and putting criminals behind bars, the security fences implemented in El Salvador, specifically in Soyapango, Tutunichapa and La Granjita as phase 5 of the Territorial Control Plan (PCT), have prevented gangs from regrouping, according to Defense Minister René Merino Monroy.
“Through the military fences we have prevented the gangs from regrouping and thus guaranteeing the security of the population. Now we have given the population peace of mind, so that they can move around in peace,” said Merino Monroy.
The security fences are part of the PCT’s “Extraction” phase, which was launched in November of last year and aims to remove all gang members who continue to commit crimes in neighborhoods and colonias. The authorities carried out the same type of siege that was implemented in Comasagua, La Libertad, last year, where 2,000 soldiers and police were deployed in search of the murderers of a farm caretaker who was a victim of extortion. For the time being, these fences remain permanent in Soyapango and the communities of Tutunichapa and La Granjita in San Salvador.
“This phase has two elements, one is the extraction and the other is, based on what has been learned during the regime, to fence off large areas while the gang members are being extracted,” said the President of the Republic, Nayib Bukele during the launch of this phase.
In December 2022, a contingent of 8,500 soldiers and 1,500 police officers were deployed in Soyapango to encircle the entire municipality. The Minister of Defense has detailed that so far more than 1,400 gang members have been captured in this area alone and this has led to a drastic reduction in homicides in the area. In addition, the authorities have recovered more than 1,000 homes that were usurped by gangs in neighborhoods such as La Campanera, Monte Blanco, Las Margaritas and the 22 de Abril community, among others, considered highly dangerous in Soyapango.
La Tutunichapa and La Granjita were also surrounded in December last year. More than 1,000 soldiers and 100 police were distributed in both communities in search of gang members. The presence of the security forces has led to a decrease in crime, including drug trafficking, as these areas were characterized by the retail sale of narcotics. To date there have been more than 350 arrests in both communities, according to the police; in addition, drug trafficking has been hit hard. In just the first two weeks after the fences were implemented, more than seven kilos of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana and crack, had been seized.
The security that now exists in these two communities has changed the lives of the inhabitants. New businesses have been established in the areas and institutions such as the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the Ministry of Health, the Social Housing Fund, the Mortgage Bank and the Consumer Protection Agency have come forward to offer their services to the inhabitants. Even the Ministry of Agriculture has been holding “agromarkets”.
The implementation of the security fences together with the execution of the exception regime has allowed that in the last year the gangs have been dismantled, capturing more than 68,000 gang members, among them leaders and collaborators, in addition, 3,571 vehicles, 2,698 firearms and 16,437 cell phones have been seized from these structures.
These measures, which are focused on curbing criminal activity, have been viewed positively by the Salvadoran population. The security forces, deployed by the emergency regime and as part of the PCT, have been supported by Salvadorans. Providing food, giving a place to rest and verbally expressing gratitude are some of the actions with which the population expresses the work of soldiers and police.
Central America
Honduras election crisis deepens as CNE president denounces intimidation attempts
Tegucigalpa remains engulfed in a deep post-electoral crisis, marked by the absence of final results from the general elections held on November 30. On Thursday, the presiding counselor of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Ana Paola Hall, publicly denounced acts of intimidation that she warned could jeopardize the final phase of the process.
Following a meeting with the G-16+ diplomatic corps, Hall expressed concern over two specific incidents: a call by former president Manuel Zelaya summoning supporters of the Libre Party to gather outside the INFOP facilities—where electoral records and materials are being safeguarded—and a statement issued by the Permanent Commission of Congress accusing her and counselor Cossette López of alleged electoral crimes, an action she described as “baseless and outside their jurisdiction.”
Hall reaffirmed her institutional commitment and warned that she will not allow interference in the announcement of the results. “Honduras comes first,” she emphasized, underscoring her intention to defend the electoral process as a cornerstone of democracy.
Meanwhile, the preliminary results place Nasry ‘Tito’ Asfura, candidate of the National Party, in the lead with 40.52%of the vote, followed closely by Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party, with 39.48%. The ruling party’s candidate, Rixi Moncada of Libre, is in third place with 19.29%. Around 0.6% of the tally sheets—many of them showing inconsistencies—have yet to be reviewed.
The Organization of American States (OAS) called an extraordinary session of its Permanent Council to analyze the situation, while civil organizations and governments such as Paraguay’s urged respect for the popular will.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro accused the United States, and specifically former president Donald Trump, of obstructing the process, while also denouncing threats from gangs against voters aligned with her party.
Central America
OAS and EU urge honduran political actors to respect vote results and avoid unrest
The Electoral Observation Missions of the Organization of American States (OAS/EOM) and the European Union (EU EOM) issued an urgent call on Wednesday urging political actors in Honduras to respect the will expressed at the polls on November 30 and to refrain from inciting public disorder while the vote count is being finalized.
Both missions called on candidates, political parties, and authorities to act responsibly and maintain “active vigilance” over the vote-counting process.
So far, the National Electoral Council (CNE) has processed 99.4% of the tally sheets, but 2,773 still show inconsistencies, representing more than 500,000 unverified votes. The electoral body has not set a date for the special review, though it could begin later this week.
“The OAS/EOM reminds that electoral authorities are the only ones empowered to validate the results and reiterates its rejection of any call to disrupt public order,” the mission said in an official statement.
Central America
U.S. finds no evidence of fraud in Honduras election despite delays
The United States government said on Tuesday that it has found no evidence of electoral fraud in Honduras’ presidential election, despite several days of delays in the vote count caused by technical issues.
“We are not aware of any credible evidence supporting a call for annulment,” a State Department spokesperson told EFE in response to complaints over the slow release of official results. Washington emphasized that the elections were monitored by international observers, including representatives from the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union (EU), and national entities, which it said strengthens the legitimacy of the process.
In the current tally, conservative candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura—backed by U.S. President Donald Trump—remains in the lead with 1,298,835 votes (40.52%), while his rival, Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party, has 1,256,428 votes (39.48%). The difference of 42,407 ballots is based on the latest report from the National Electoral Council (CNE), with 99.40% of the tally completed.
According to the Trump administration, the vote reflects a clear rejection of the governing leftist Libre party, led by outgoing President Xiomara Castro.
“The CNE should certify the election results promptly,” the spokesperson said, urging all political actors to respect the independence of electoral institutions and comply with Honduras’ legal framework.
The vote count—now stretching past four days—has fueled tension and uncertainty among the population. CNE president Ana Paola Hall attributed the delays to unspecified “technical problems.”
Colombia says it would not reject Maduro asylum request as regional tensions escalate
Cuba battles out-of-control dengue and chikungunya epidemic as death toll rises to 44
Ecuador on track for record violence as homicides hit highest level in Latin America again
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International3 days agoMexico City prepares for 13 million pilgrims at Basilica of Guadalupe
-
Central America4 days agoGuatemalan soldier wounded in clash with suspected mexican armed group near border
-
Central America3 days agoMexico and Guatemala launch joint security operation after Agua Zarca border attack
-
Central America4 days agoGuatemala reverses asset seizures after judge replacement, benefiting ex-president and former ministers
-
International2 days agoWashington declares State of Emergency as atmospheric river brings severe flooding
-
Central America3 days agoU.S. accuses Ortega regime of systematic human rights abuses in Nicaragua
-
International2 days agoU.S. to require five-year social media history from tourists under Visa Waiver Program
-
Central America3 days agoHonduras’ electoral chief reports ongoing technical issues but says results remain intact
-
International4 days agoJapan lifts tsunami alert after strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake hits northern coast
-
Central America3 days agoU.S. finds no evidence of fraud in Honduras election despite delays
-
Central America3 days agoHonduran University: Nullifying elections without proof of fraud undermines popular sovereignty
-
International4 days agoInterior Dept. redefines 2026 Patriotic Days, sparking criticism over removed civil rights holidays
-
Central America3 days ago
CNA director says Libre’s defeat stems from “lack of substance,” not messaging
-
Central America2 days ago
OAS and EU urge honduran political actors to respect vote results and avoid unrest
-
International18 hours agoCuba battles out-of-control dengue and chikungunya epidemic as death toll rises to 44
-
International3 days agoZelensky meets Pope Leo XIV as review of U.S. peace plan continues
-
International18 hours agoColombia says it would not reject Maduro asylum request as regional tensions escalate
-
Central America18 hours ago
Honduras election crisis deepens as CNE president denounces intimidation attempts
-
International2 days agoSix ecuadorian soldiers jailed pending trial for alleged extrajudicial execution
-
International18 hours agoEcuador on track for record violence as homicides hit highest level in Latin America again