Murder rate increases sharply in El Salvador

Suspected gang members are detained at a police station in Ilopango, El Salvador, in August. It was reportedly the deadliest month in the civil-war-scarred country’s history.

Relatives wait for information outside the prison in Quezaltepeque, El Salvador, in August after several inmates were killed in violence involving the 18th Street gang.

Investigators inspect the scene after four suspected members of the Mara Salvatrucha gang were killed in October in Cojutepeque, El Salvador, reportedly by someone disguised as a policeman.

A victim’s relative weeps at the scene in Cojutepeque where four suspected MS-13 members were killed in October by an unknown assailant dressed as a policeman.

Police search for members of the 18th Street gang around Ayutuxtepeque, El Salvador, in October.

Suspected 18th Street gang members were captured in Ayutuxtepeque after a shootout with police that left three young people dead.

Activists and gang members participate in an ecumenical gathering for peace held in October in San Salvador.