SAN SALVADOR, March El Salvador is drawing international attention after recording historically low homicide levels, a development authorities attribute to the aggressive anti-gang strategy implemented by President Nayib Bukele. Government officials say the dramatic decline in violent crime is transforming the country’s public security environment and improving investor confidence across key economic sectors.
According to data released by the National Civil Police of El Salvador, the nation recorded no homicides during the first 20 days of 2026, continuing a multi-year downward trend in violent crime. Authorities attribute the results to coordinated security measures led by the government’s security cabinet and strengthened law-enforcement strategies.
Record-Low Homicide Numbers Signal Security Progress
Police officials publish daily security updates through official channels, highlighting days without homicides and reinforcing what the government describes as sustained improvements in national safety. Authorities say these reports help maintain transparency while demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing security initiatives.
The country recorded 303 days without homicides in 2025, closing the year with 82 killings nationwide. Officials said none of these cases were linked to gang activity. The number represents a 28 percent decline compared with 2024, when authorities registered 114 homicides, marking a significant shift from the country’s historically high violence levels.
Territorial Control Plan and State of Exception
Government officials credit the improvements to several initiatives, including the Territorial Control Plan, a nationwide strategy designed to dismantle gang networks and restore government authority in previously high-crime communities.
The policy also includes a state of exception introduced in March 2022, which expanded law-enforcement powers and allowed authorities to conduct large-scale operations against organized criminal groups. Under these measures, security forces have detained more than 90,800 suspected gang members, according to official government statistics.
Public Opinion Shows Strong Support for Security Policies
Public opinion surveys suggest many citizens believe the strategy has significantly improved everyday safety. A January 2026 poll conducted by the Institute of Public Opinion reported that 62.7 percent of Salvadorans view improved security as the country’s most important national achievement.
Additional polling by CID Gallup indicated 96 percent public support for the government’s anti-gang policies. The survey also showed that 95 percent of respondents said they were not victims of crime during 2025, while El Salvador ranked among the 20 countries where people feel safest walking alone at night.
International Leaders Study El Salvador’s Security Model
The country’s security strategy has attracted increasing attention from foreign leaders interested in understanding its implementation. In January 2026, Chilean president-elect José Antonio Kast visited the high-security Terrorism Confinement Centre to review operational procedures and prison infrastructure.
The visit followed a similar tour in December 2025 by Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves, who examined the country’s detention facilities and security protocols as part of regional cooperation on crime prevention.
Human Rights Debate Surrounding the Security Strategy
During a joint press conference held during Kast’s visit, President Nayib Bukele addressed criticism from international human rights organizations regarding the treatment of detainees held in maximum-security facilities.
Bukele argued that international discussions often emphasize the rights of criminals instead of focusing on victims of gang violence. He said his administration prioritizes protecting law-abiding citizens and restoring safety in communities affected by organized crime.
Growing International Interest in Anti-Gang Policies
Delegations from Ecuador and members of the United States Congress, including representatives of the El Salvador Caucus, have also toured the prison complex to study the country’s security operations.
Many visiting officials have described the territorial control strategy and large-scale detention policy as a potential model for combating organized crime in other regions, particularly in countries facing similar gang-related security challenges.
Improved Security Boosts Foreign Investment
Improved public safety conditions have also coincided with stronger economic indicators. After a cautious investment environment in 2024, Foreign Direct Investment increased by 64 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to official government figures.
Economic analysts say the improved security climate has increased confidence among international investors, encouraging long-term development projects in infrastructure, tourism, and real estate sectors.
International Investment Projects Expand
Overall, El Salvador attracted $639.6 million in foreign investment during 2024, with major investors coming from Spain, Mexico, the United States, Panama, and Honduras.
One of the most significant projects involves a $730 million development initiative by Grupo Roble, focusing on tourism infrastructure, commercial real estate, and urban development projects designed to support the country’s economic expansion.
Conclusion
Government officials say the security strategy has helped reshape the global image of El Salvador. Once associated with widespread gang violence, the country is now positioning itself as a safer destination for tourism, international business, and long-term investment.
Authorities believe that maintaining low crime levels will remain central to national policy. Continued security reforms and economic development initiatives are expected to
Frequently Asked Question
What caused the drop in homicides in El Salvador?
The decline is mainly linked to the anti-gang security policies introduced by President Nayib Bukele. Measures such as the Territorial Control Plan and the state of exception allowed authorities to detain thousands of suspected gang members and strengthen law enforcement operations.
How many homicides were reported in El Salvador in 2025?
According to the National Civil Police of El Salvador, the country recorded 82 homicides in 2025, with 303 days without killings, marking one of the lowest crime levels in decades.
What is the Territorial Control Plan?
The Territorial Control Plan is a nationwide security strategy designed to dismantle gang networks and restore government control in high-crime areas. It combines police operations, military support, and increased surveillance.
Why are foreign leaders visiting El Salvador’s prison facilities?
Leaders from different countries have visited the Terrorism Confinement Centre to study the country’s anti-gang strategy and prison management system as a possible model for tackling organized crime.
Has improved security helped foreign investment?
Yes. Improved safety has increased investor confidence in El Salvador. Government data shows foreign direct investment rising significantly as businesses view the country as a safer place to operate.
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