What are the gangs in El Salvador?

The best-known gangs, called maras in colloquial Salvadoran Spanish, are Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and their rivals 18th Street; maras are hunted by death squads, including Sombra Negra. Newer rivals include the rising mara, The Rebels 13.

What does Sombra Negra?

The Sombra Negra (Spanish for “Black Shadow”), also known as El Clan de Planta (“The Plant Clan”), are (as of 2014) death squad groups based in El Salvador, allegedly composed mostly of police and military personnel, that target criminals and gang members for vigilante justice.

What year did the death squads begin to operate in El Salvador?

The FMLN began their insurrection on January 10, 1981, with attacks on military targets throughout the country.

What does the 13 in MS 13 stand for?

The term “Salvatruchas” has been explained as a reference to Salvadorian peasants trained to become guerrilla fighters, referred to as the “Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front.” The ’13’ is believed to stand for the letter M, the thirteenth letter of the alphabet, but it is also been rumored to pay homage to a …

What does 13 mean in gangs?

Sureños use the number 13—which represents the thirteenth letter of the alphabet, the letter M—in order to mark their allegiance to the Mexican Mafia.

Is vigilantism a crime?

Regardless of your intention, vigilantism is illegal. Further, it is generally understood that acts of vigilantism are committed in the name of revenge. Revenge means that the act was aggravated, and is therefore considered to be a worse offense than committing the act for no reason.

What is Deathsquad?

: any of various extremist groups whose members kill suspected political adversaries and criminals.

Who gave El Salvador independence?

Spain
In 1821, El Salvador and the other Central American provinces declared their independence from Spain.