22 June 2010

EL SALVADOR:1ST UPDATE: Police Arrest 8 Maras After Bus Attacks That Killed 17.

LAHT/ LINK CHANGE/ 23 June/     8 members of the Mara street gang in San Salvador were arrested for randomly shooting passengers on a bus and dousing another bus with gas before setting it on fire. A total of 17 were killed in the two incidents. Police say gangs  demand protection money from bus companies. Many attacks on bus drivers and fare collectors have been reported in the last 18 months. El Salvador has the highest murder rate in Central America. An official called the attacks "a terrorist act aimed at provoking fear in the population."