El Salvador’s Police Chief Killed in Helicopter Crash
El Salvador’s National Civil Police Director, Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, known for spearheading the country’s aggressive anti-gang campaign, died in a helicopter crash on Monday. The crash also claimed the lives of several others, including two high-ranking commissioners, a corporal, a sergeant, and two lieutenant pilots.
The helicopter, a Salvadoran Air Force UH-1H, went down in Pasaquina, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) east of San Salvador. Among the deceased was Manuel Coto, a former manager of the Cosavi credit union, who had been in police custody after his arrest in Honduras. Coto was facing allegations of embezzling around $35 million.
Arriaza Chicas led El Salvador’s crackdown on gangs since March 2022, a controversial campaign that resulted in the arrest of nearly 82,000 suspected gang members under warrantless detention laws. His final public statement was made during his visit to the border with Honduras, where he was involved in the transfer of Coto from Honduran authorities.
President Nayib Bukele has called for an international investigation into the crash, emphasizing the need for a thorough probe. “What happened cannot remain a mere accident; it must be investigated thoroughly,” Bukele said.
Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado assured that efforts were underway to expedite the rescue and identification of victims, while Civil Protection tactical teams were en route to the crash site to assist.
Defense Minister Rene Francis Merino Monroy praised Arriaza Chicas as a key figure in transforming the national police force. Despite criticism from human rights groups, Bukele’s anti-gang measures have earned high approval ratings, reflecting a complex balance between security and civil liberties in a violence-prone society.