FAST DOWNLOAD
The United States has lowered its security alert for its citizens traveling to El Salvador after noting a ” significant reduction ” in gang violence, the US embassy announced on Friday.
“I am pleased to see that the State Department’s travel alert for El Salvador has been raised from Level 3 to Level 2 due to the reduction in crime rates in the country ,” US Ambassador to San Salvador William Duncan said on his X account.
The measure was celebrated by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele , who launched a “war” against gangs in March 2022, under which some 83,100 alleged gang members have been arrested.
War on gangs in El Salvador
The “war” has drastically reduced homicides in the country, but is criticized by human rights organizations who denounce the arrests of thousands of innocent people, prison overcrowding and numerous deaths in state custody.
The embassy said on its website that “while crime remains a concern in El Salvador , the past two years have seen a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crimes.”
Improved security conditions prompted Bukele’s re-election in February for a second five-year term.
