Police Director and Fugitive Among 9 Who Died in Helicopter Crash

In a tragic incident, a military helicopter crash in El Salvador has resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including the director of the National Civil Police and several high-ranking police officials. The disaster occurred in a remote area after Manuel Coto, a fugitive banker, was apprehended in Honduras and handed over to Salvadoran authorities.

Coto had been wanted on an Interpol arrest warrant due to his involvement in a significant embezzlement case that led to losses exceeding $35 million for the COSAVI savings and loan cooperative, where he served as manager. Honduran Security Minister Gustavo Sanchez reported that Coto was arrested while attempting to travel to the United States with a human trafficker.

The helicopter crash took place in the vicinity of San Eduardo, Pasaquina, La Union, as confirmed by the Salvadoran military in a social media post. Among the casualties was Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, the director general of the National Civil Police, and David Cruz, head of communications for the security ministry. Other personnel aboard included two high-ranking commissioners, a corporal, a sergeant, and two lieutenant pilots.

President Nayib Bukele expressed his condolences and stated that the circumstances surrounding the crash must be thoroughly investigated, insisting that it should not be treated as merely an accident. He has called for international assistance in the investigation.

Arriaza Chicas was notable for leading the government’s crackdown on gangs that had plagued daily life in El Salvador. While Bukele’s strategies have received widespread approval for reducing violence, they have been met with criticism from human rights organizations for perceived abuses, including mass arrests without due process.

In a tribute, Bukele referred to Arriaza Chicas as a “national hero” for his “tireless dedication to the transformation” of the country. He announced that flags would be flown at half-staff in his honor for three days.

Security expert Luis Contreras remarked that despite Arriaza Chicas’ death, the battle against gangs in El Salvador would likely continue robustly. He noted that there are many experienced personnel within the police force who can fill the void left by the late director. Contreras believes that crime levels have been significantly reduced under the current government’s initiatives.

While supporters praise Bukele for restoring stability to a once-violence-ridden society, the price has been high. El Salvador recorded its lowest homicide rate in three decades last year, but at the same time, human rights watchdogs have documented reports of killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions linked to the government’s anti-gang war.

As of February, Amnesty International reported over 78,000 arbitrary detentions, contributing to prison overcrowding at approximately 148% capacity, along with documented deaths of at least 235 individuals in state custody and 327 enforced disappearances.

This incident marks a significant moment in El Salvador’s ongoing struggle with crime and governance. The government faces the dual challenge of maintaining security while addressing criticism regarding human rights violations and the treatment of detainees.

Source: AFP