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Authorities in El Salvador have announced the foiling of a significant bomb plot targeting various locations across the country on Saturday, coinciding with President Nayib Bukele’s second-term inauguration.
Police reported the arrest of seven individuals, including Jose Santos Melara, a former congressman from the FMLN party and the alleged financier of the plot. The suspects are described as “veterans” of El Salvador’s 1980-1992 civil war, hinting at their former involvement as “leftist guerrillas.”
Estos son los explosivos que pretendían usar los dirigentes de veteranos de guerra para atacar distintos objetivos.
— PNC El Salvador (@PNCSV) May 31, 2024
Tras un allanamiento se encontraron múltiples dispositivos en Guazapa:
- Evidencia 4: explosivos con mecha.
- Evidencia 5: Bolsas de sulfato de amonio usada para… pic.twitter.com/bgWzIO7A5m
The National Police unveiled photographs of the seized explosives, which included small cylinders with fuses and sacks of ammonium nitrate. These materials were found during raids in several areas, including Guazapa, a former rebel stronghold near San Salvador’s capital. According to authorities, the intended targets of the plot were gasoline stations, supermarkets, and government buildings.
The police have attributed the scheme to a group they call the “Salvadoran Insurrection Brigade.” They allege that Melara, who also leads the national association of FMLN war veterans, financed the plans. The arrests have prompted outrage from the Block of Popular Resistance and Rebellion (BPR), which has labeled Melara’s detention as arbitrary and politically motivated. The BPR has called for his release and denounced Bukele’s upcoming presidency as unconstitutional and illegitimate, vowing to escalate their opposition.
This development comes after President Bukele secured a second term in February’s presidential elections despite constitutional prohibitions on reelection. His tenure has been marked by controversy due to sweeping anti-gang initiatives, which some critics argue could violate civilian rights. However, many citizens support Bukele’s actions, appreciating the significant reduction in gang violence. This widespread support is reflected in Bukele’s election victory, in which he secured 84% of the vote.
