Gangs in El Salvador kill at least six bus drivers to intimidate government

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, July 29 (UPI) -- At least six public bus drivers in El Salvador were killed recently by gangs attempting to pressure the government to give into demands for a truce by spreading fear.

Two imprisoned leaders of the Barrio 18 gang in El Salvador, identified as Carlos Eduardo Burgos Nuila and Jose Carlos Hernandez Mauricio, called for a three-day strike of public transportation over the weekend to pressure the government to negotiate with gangs for a truce.

When bus drivers refused to give in to the gang's demands, drivers were targeted and killed on Monday and Tuesday.

"We made ​​an effort to provide the service but the attacks terrorized motorists and we had to stop," Roberto Soriano, president of El Salvador's Association of Public Transport, told CNN Español.

At least 100 of El Salvador's 1,000 nationwide bus routes have been paralyzed by the strike.

More than 2,000 people have died this year, including at least 38 public transport workers, due to violence in El Salvador largely caused by the warring Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 gangs. An average of 15 people die every day due to gang violence.

"We will not break," Salvador Sánchez Cerén, President of El Salvador, said. "I have asked the defense minister to prepare the troops and if necessary to patrol the capital."

The government has deployed vehicles to transport people affected by the transit strike.