The head of the Salvadoran police died in a helicopter crash. A former bank director suspected of defrauding millions of dollars who was in his escort also died. The media emphasizes that the commander played a key role in the fight against the gangs.
The crash occurred late Sunday evening when Manuel Coto, a former bank manager accused of participating in the embezzlement of $35 million, was being escorted to El Salvador by a military helicopter. He was arrested earlier that day in Honduras after he tried to escape to USAThe Salvadoran army said the UH-1H helicopter crashed in the Pasaquina district of the country's southeastern La Unión department, near the border with Honduras. Along with Coto, the director of the national police, Mauricio Arriaza, and seven others were killed, the BBC reported.
El Salvador's President Announces Investigation
The Salvadoran police took to social media to express their condolences over the death of their chief, Arriaza, who had held the position since 2019 and played a key role in the war on gangs launched by President Nayib Bukele, the BBC reported.
President Bukele himself highlighted Arriaza's contribution to national security and the role he played in numerous police operations on social media. He announced that flags in public places would remain at half-mast for three days as a sign of mourning. He also announced an investigation into the disaster. “What happened cannot be considered an ordinary accident. It must be thoroughly explained, to the very end.” He added that his country would appeal for international assistance. However, he did not provide evidence of third-party involvement in the disaster.
Main image source: FORUM