El Salvador: Gangs on the Run

How Bukeles Crackdown Drove Gangs Underground

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has waged a successful war against gangs, driving them underground and significantly reducing violence.

In March 2022, following a sudden spike in violence, President Bukele declared a state of emergency and deployed thousands of security forces to crack down on gangs. The crackdown has been brutal, with reports of arbitrary arrests and human rights abuses. However, it has also been effective, with gang violence falling sharply.

The crackdown has not been without its critics, who argue that it is too heavy-handed and that it is violating human rights. However, Bukele's supporters argue that it is necessary to break the power of the gangs and restore order to the country.

The success of Bukele's crackdown has been praised by some international leaders, who see it as a model for other countries struggling with gang violence. However, it is important to note that El Salvador's situation is unique, and it is not clear whether the same approach would be successful elsewhere.

Despite the success of the crackdown, it is too early to say whether Bukele has won the war against gangs. The gangs are still active, albeit underground, and they could re-emerge in the future if the government does not continue to pressure them.

In conclusion, President Bukele's crackdown on gangs has been successful in reducing violence. However, it is important to note that the crackdown has been brutal and that it has raised concerns about human rights. It remains to be seen whether the government can continue to pressure the gangs and prevent them from re-emerging in the future.