A military helicopter crash in southeastern El Salvador on Sunday night claimed the lives of the country’s police director, Mauricio Arriaza, and Manuel Coto, a man accused of embezzling $35 million, the Salvadoran government announced.
The incident occurred in the Pasaquina district, near the border with Honduras, as Arriaza was escorting Coto back to El Salvador. Coto had been arrested earlier that day in Honduras while attempting to flee to the United States and was subsequently handed over to Salvadoran authorities.
The Salvadoran Armed Forces confirmed the crash but did not specify the total number of individuals on board at the time of the incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
President Nayib Bukele addressed the tragedy on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “What happened cannot remain a simple ‘accident’. It must be investigated thoroughly and to the last consequences.” Bukele praised Arriaza for his significant contributions to national security and his roles in various police operations.
The loss of Arriaza, a key figure in El Salvador’s law enforcement, comes at a critical time for the country as it continues to grapple with issues of crime and corruption. His death is likely to have significant implications for ongoing security operations and policies.
The circumstances surrounding Coto’s arrest and subsequent death add another layer of complexity to the incident. As a high-profile suspect in a major embezzlement case, his loss may impact ongoing investigations into financial crimes in El Salvador.
This tragic event highlights the risks associated with high-stakes law enforcement operations and raises questions about security protocols for transporting high-value detainees. As the investigation unfolds, it may lead to a review of procedures for such operations in the future.
The crash also underscores the challenges faced by El Salvador in its efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes, as well as the dangers inherent in law enforcement work in the region.
REUTERS
