Buy license Download images
Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the majority of Salvadorans, do not believe the government proclamations and consider the truce a pact with the Devil.more »
  • Alleged gang members are controlled by the police officers from the special emergency unit (Halcones) during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Policemen from the special emergency unit (Halcones) chase supposed gang members during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) watches the street from a driving vehicle in San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member is controlled by a policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) on the street in San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) patrols in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 19 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • The alleged Mara Salvatrucha gang members, detained by the Police emergency unit (Halcones), are seen on the yard of a detention center in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • The Barrio 18 gang members are detained by the police officers from the special emergency unit (Halcones) in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A pool of blood seen on the floor after a shooting incident between gang members and police on the street in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) aims rifle at the window during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) patrols in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • The Mara Salvatrucha gang members show finger signs representing their gang while being detained in the cell of a detention center in San Salvador, El Salvador, 20 February 2014. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged Barrio 18 gang member gives a goodbye kiss to his wife after being detained by the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A Barrio 18 gang graffiti, a symbol marking the gang's territory, is seen in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Alleged gang members are handcuffed by a police officer from the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) in a detention center in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) chases supposed gang members during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member is seen handcuffed by the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) patrols in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 19 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) patrols during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Casa destroyer, an abandoned apartment used by gang members as a refuge, is seen during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member lies on the floor, handcuffed by the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) patrols, from a car window, in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member is controlled by the police officers from the special emergency unit (Halcones) in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Policemen from the special emergency unit (Halcones) chase supposed gang members during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • The Mara Salvatrucha gang members are seen behind the bars of cells in a detention center in San Salvador, El Salvador, 20 February 2014. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member is controlled by the police officers from the special emergency unit (Halcones) in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 16 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Policemen from the special emergency unit (Halcones) patrol in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) chases supposed gang members during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 19 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) chases supposed gang members during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member knees on the floor, handcuffed by the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) chases supposed gang members during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member is controlled by a policeman from the special emergency unit (Halcones) on the street in San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) searches an apartment, while an alleged gang member lies handcuffed on the floor, during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Alleged gang members are controlled by the police officers from the special emergency unit (Halcones) during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 12 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A pool of blood seen on the floor after a shooting incident between gang members and police on the street in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member knees on the floor, handcuffed by the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Policemen from the special emergency unit (Halcones) chase supposed gang members during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 15 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member is detained by the police officers from the special emergency unit (Halcones) in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 14 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Policemen from the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) enter the apartment of an alleged gang member during the night in a gang neighbourhood of San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A Salvadoran man passes in front of the Mara Salvatrucha graffiti, a symbol marking the gang's territory in a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 19 May 2011. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • An alleged gang member lies on the floor, handcuffed by the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • Alleged gang members are seen handcuffed, using plastic straps, in a detention center in San Salvador, El Salvador, 20 February 2014. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.

  • A policeman from the special anti-gang unit (Unidad Antipandillas) patrols during a night raid in Soyapango, a gang neighborhood in San Salvador, El Salvador, 13 December 2013. Although the murder rate in the country has dropped significantly, after a truce between two major street gangs (Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18) was agreed in 2012, the lack of security and violence are still the main issues in people's daily life. Due to the fact the gangs have never stopped their criminal activities (extortions, distribution of drugs and kidnappings), the Police anti-gang forces keep running their operations and chasing the ‘homeboys’ (how the gang's foot soldiers usually call themselves) in the poor, socially deprived suburbs of Salvadoran cities.