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El Salvador Decimated Gangs. But at What Cost?

The Daily

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Gang Violence and Political Transformation in El Salvador

This chapter examines the rise of gang violence in El Salvador, focusing on the historical origins and the emergence of MS-13 and 18th street gangs. It highlights the political ascent of Bukele, his initial strategies to combat crime, and the subsequent spike in violence that led to a controversial government crackdown on civil liberties. Through the lens of affected families, it addresses the human cost of the state's aggressive tactics and the complex dynamics of hope, fear, and human rights in a fraught socio-political landscape.

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