El Salvador authorizes 'lethal force' against gangs amid coronavirus crime spike, mixes rival gangs in jailsA spike in gang violence in El Salvador amid the coronavirus pandemic spurred the country's president on Sunday to authorize the use by "lethal force," as prison officials packed rival gang members together in cells in an attempt to halt the violence. Authorities said most of the gang-related killings are ordered from prisons.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said he was forced to take action after the Central American country reported 24 homicides on Friday, followed by another 29 killings by Sunday. Bukele said criminal gangs were taking advantage of security forces helping to contain COVID-19 in the country.
“The police and armed forces must prioritize safeguarding their lives, those of their companions and of honest citizens," Bukele said. "The use of lethal force is authorized in self-defense or in defense of the lives of Salvadorans."........
https://www.foxnews.com/world/el-salvador-gang-member-coronavirus-crime-spike-lethal-force
