(ANSA) - SAN SALVADOR, MARCH 27 - After a wave of violence among gangs that killed 62 people in a single day, Salvador has adopted a state of emergency, with the approval of Parliament.
This was announced by the president of the Legislative Assembly.
The decree, approved by a large majority, proclaims "an emergency regime throughout the national territory resulting from serious disturbances to public order by criminal groups".
The decision follows the 62 murders recorded yesterday in the country linked to settling of scores between rival gangs, which had prompted President Nayib Bukele to ask parliamentarians to declare a state of emergency.
In the last few hours, the police and the army have arrested several leaders of the MaraSalvatrucha gang (MS-13).
Among other measures, the state of emergency limits gatherings and allows arrests without a warrant.
"This Saturday, March 26 ended with 62 murders in the country," Salvadoran police said on Twitter.
"We will not back down in this war against gangs, we will not encrypt until the criminals responsible for these acts are caught and brought to justice", ;; he added.
(HANDLE).