El Salvador security forces arrest 40 MS-13 gang members, including cell leader, who were planning to carry out 17 assassinations
Several raids took place in three departments in El Salvador as authorities sought the arrest of 93 alleged members of the MS-13 on Frida
The group plotted to carry out 17 assassinations that were discovered during a six-month investigation called Operation Bálsamo
Agents arrested Juan Mancía, the founder of a MS-13 cell leader that was planning the attacks
At least 18 gang members who were already in prison were also signaled for their involvement in the foiled plot