El Salvador Deploys New Task Force to Intensify Fight against Gangs

FES members will focus on capturing criminals and reducing levels of violence. [Photo: Gloria Cañas] The FES have been given fully equipped, tactical operations vehicles to help them patrol wherever they are assigned. [Photo: Gloria Cañas] One of the FES missions is to pursue the country’s 100 most wanted criminals, including those who lead MS-13 and M-18. [Photo: Gloria Cañas] FES Troops receive comprehensive tactical training to fight crime. [Photo: Gloria Cañas] The FES is made up of 1,000 members of which 600 are from the FAES and 400 from the National Civil Police (PNC). [Photo: Gloria Cañas] FAES members who are also part of FES are given night vision equipment, which allows them to conduct activities no matter the time of day. [Photo: Gloria Cañas] On April 20th, Salvadoran President Salvador Sánchez Cerén announced the creation of the Specialized Reaction Forces (FES), a task force whose mission includes reinforcing security in towns that are being affected by members of the nation’s two main gangs, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 (M-18). The crime-fighting group is comprised of 1,000 members. In the photo, service members listen to the instructions of the FES officer. [Photo: Gloria Cañas] Troops from El Salvador’s Air Force support efforts in the fight against gangs. [Photo: Gloria Cañas] FES Troops receive comprehensive tactical training to fight crime. [Photo: Gloria Cañas]