SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Officials in El Salvador say the small country has recorded another milestone in criminal violence: At least 51 people were killed in a single day this week.
The National Civil Police force says Thursday’s toll surpasses the mark of 45 killed on Aug. 22.
READ MORE: 125 killings in 3 days as gang violence soars in El Salvador
Authorities in the nation of 6 million say the surge in violence is a result of a government crackdown that has led to gunfights between police and criminals, as well as gang battles over territory.
READ MORE: Homicides in El Salvador reach record as gang violence grows
Police on Friday also reported finding the body of a slain police officer. He’s the 45th officer this year to die at the hands of gangs. Sixteen soldiers and six prison guards also have been killed.
The government says 3,942 people were slain in 2014, an increase of 1,429 over 2013.
Comments