Gang murders

Diario Colatino reports that officials at a law enforcement conference in Chiapas Mexico estimated that fully one third of murders in Central America are linked to the Mara Salvatrucha gang. On top of that are a multitude of other crimes including sexual assaults and violent attacks. The areas along the borders with Mexico have become a lawless zone where gangs prey on illegal immigrants trying to make their way north.

Gang members were implicated in more than 11 homicides which occurred in the most recent 24 hour period according to La Prensa. Police were particularly worried by the firepower in the hands of gang members, since one assault featured a barrage of bullets from an AK-47 assault rifle.