El Salvador: Thousands of troops surround city in gang crackdown - BBC

Around 10,000 troops have surrounded the city of Soyapango in El Salvador as part of a massive crackdown on gangs, President Nayib Bukele has announced.

All roads leading to the city have been blocked, and special forces have been searching houses for gang members.

The operation is part of a massive crackdown on gangs after a surge in violence earlier this year.

The city - which sits just 13 km (8 miles) west of the capital San Salvador - has long been known as a hub for gang activity.

Since Mr Bukele announced a state of emergency in late March, more than 58,000 people have been jailed by authorities in the country of 6.5 million people.

But Mr Bukele's allies say the crackdown is necessary after a wave of homicides culminated with gangs being blamed for 62 murders in a single day on 26 March.

El Salvador renews gang violence state of emergency.

Gang murders prompt El Salvador state of emergency.