In 1995, El Salvador had the highest intentional homicide rate in the world, which drastically decreased to 2.4 per 100,000 by 2023 due to President Nayib Bukele’s anti-crime efforts. Bukele’s crackdown is considered one of the most successful in modern history. El Salvador saw turmoil post-independence from Spain in 1821, culminating in a civil war lasting over a decade. Salvadorans fleeing violence formed MS-13 and 18th Street Gang in LA. MS-13 became known for its brutal machete attacks. El Salvador’s history of violence and transformation to lowered homicide rates under Bukele is both tragic and remarkable.
https://mattlakeman.org/2024/03/30/notes-on-el-salvador/