Barrio 18 (“M-18”) and Mara Salvatrucha (“MS-13”)
These two gangs are well-known to citizens of Central America, although the majority of activity is seen in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. As you navigate through this area of terrorism we will touch on the overall scope of both gangs, as well as the scope of the gangs in relation to these three countries that are affected the most by the terroristic activity.
*Seen above is a picture providing a stereotype of what gang members look like in these countries; however, this is false. Tattoos in the three countries above have been a well-known marking of gang members; and the gang members are now well aware of how tattoos can lead to arrest. Now, according to a business owner in Guatemala, Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 pay to send members to universities to begin to infiltrating business’ and/or manage their war taxes within different cities.