San Salvador Times

Costa Rican Banks Introduce Processing Fee Affecting Foreign Card Payments

International visitors using payment cards in Costa Rica are encountering a new six percent processing fee imposed by major domestic banks, adding costs for travelers and highlighting ongoing challenges in regional digital finance modern...

International Gas Union Highlights Energy Development Potential Across Central America

A new report from the International Gas Union points to opportunities for natural gas investment, improved regional connectivity, and expanded energy access across Latin America and the Caribbean, including El Salvador.

US Embassy Issues Flood and Landslide Warning for El Salvador During Hurricane Season

Following forecasts for an active Atlantic hurricane season, the US Embassy in San Salvador has advised residents and investors to prepare for possible flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transportation and infrastructure.

Costa Rica Investigates Police Officers Accused of Illegal Raid and Robbery

Four members of the Fuerza Pública have been detained as part of an investigation into an alleged unlawful home raid and theft, raising renewed concerns about misconduct within law enforcement ranks.

Costa Rican Investigators Warn of Sharp Rise in Virtual Kidnapping Scams

Judicial investigators report that complaints involving virtual kidnapping extortion schemes have surged sevenfold over the past year, with criminals increasingly targeting both residents and foreign visitors.

Costa Rican Court Approves Deferred Extradition of Businessman Known as ‘Macho Coca’

An appeals court in San José authorized the future extradition of a prominent businessman to the United States on narcotics-related charges, marking a significant development in regional anti-drug cooperation.

Costa Rica Deploys Elite Task Force to Target Illegal Drug Airstrips

Costa Rican authorities have launched a specialized unit to identify and dismantle clandestine airstrips used by traffickers while pursuing legal action against landowners accused of facilitating narcotics flights.

Panama Restores Control of La Joyita Prison After Deadly Riot and Mass Escape

Panamanian security forces recaptured more than eighty escaped inmates and ended a violent disturbance at La Joyita prison that left two people dead, highlighting persistent concerns over prison overcrowding and criminal influence.

Honduran Police Arrest Suspected Organizer of Plantation Massacre

Authorities have detained a gang leader accused of orchestrating the killing of nineteen workers at a palm plantation in the Bajo Aguán region, an area long affected by violence linked to drug trafficking routes.

Honduras Expands Military Role in Public Security and Advances Terrorist Designations for Gangs

Lawmakers have approved legislation allowing greater military involvement in domestic security operations and enabling authorities to classify gangs and drug cartels as terrorist organizations, drawing inspiration from El Salvador’s secu...

Guatemalan Authorities Hunt Fugitive Gang Leaders After Deadly Attacks on Police

Security forces, assisted by the FBI, are searching for escaped Barrio 18 leaders following a prison riot and coordinated assaults that left at least eight police officers dead, underscoring ongoing organized crime challenges in Guatemala.

At Least 55 Killed After Passenger Bus Plunges Into Gorge Near Guatemala City

A deadly multi-vehicle crash sent a passenger bus into a steep ravine outside Guatemala City, killing at least fifty-five people and prompting national mourning as questions emerge over regional transport safety and infrastructure.

Conservative Colombian Candidate Wins First Round After Campaigning on Bukele-Style Security Policies

Abelardo de la Espriella secured a first-round election victory in Colombia after advocating tougher anti-gang measures, including mega-prisons and security policies modeled on those implemented in El Salvador.

World Food Programme Expands Support Measures to Protect El Salvador’s Food Security

The World Food Programme is working with the Salvadoran government to strengthen agricultural supply chains, support rural livelihoods, and safeguard school feeding programs as drought risks increase.

World Meteorological Organization Warns El Niño Could Bring Severe Drought to El Salvador

The World Meteorological Organization forecasts a high probability that El Niño conditions will persist through the summer, raising concerns about crop losses, reduced hydroelectric generation, and broader economic strain across El Salva...

El Faro Reports Asset Freezes as Press Freedom Concerns Intensify in El Salvador

Investigative news outlet El Faro said authorities froze the bank accounts and real estate assets of its principal shareholders, prompting criticism from international press freedom groups that view the move as pressure on independent me...

United States Deportations to El Salvador Nearly Double as Bukele Aligns With Tougher US Migration Policies

Official figures show the number of Salvadoran nationals deported from the United States has nearly doubled in the first half of 2026, reflecting closer alignment between President Nayib Bukele’s government and Washington’s stricter bord...

Panama Ports Benefit From Shifts in Regional Maritime Trade Flows

Shipping operators reported increased cargo activity at Panamanian ports as expanded storage and handling capacity helps absorb redirected freight volumes moving through Central American trade routes.

Regional Energy Groups Publish Natural Gas Development Roadmap for Latin America

Energy organizations from across the region released a joint assessment highlighting opportunities to expand natural gas connectivity and fuel infrastructure throughout Central America and the Caribbean.

World Meteorological Organization Warns of Likely El Niño Return

Climate experts said there is an 80% probability of a significant El Niño event and a 90% likelihood of continued development through the northern hemisphere summer, raising concerns over heatwaves and water shortages across Central Amer...

Higher Global Energy Costs Push Fuel Prices Up More Than 12% in El Salvador

The Ministry of Economy reported that gasoline and diesel prices have risen between 12% and 16% due to international shipping disruptions, increasing transportation costs throughout the economy.

Drought and Pest Risks Threaten Crop Production Across El Salvador

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network warned that delayed rains, unusually high temperatures, and irregular weather patterns could reduce harvests for small farmers in western and eastern parts of the country.

White Maize Prices Remain Elevated Across Salvadoran Markets

Agricultural market data showed white maize prices running 21% above year-earlier levels and 17% above the five-year average, increasing pressure on lower-income households that depend on staple grain purchases.

Central American Nations Conduct Joint Flood Response and Border Logistics Drills

Emergency agencies from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras completed coordinated disaster-response exercises aimed at accelerating humanitarian aid movements ahead of the region’s cyclone season.

Guatemala and El Salvador Digitize Customs Procedures to Speed Cross-Border Trade

Trade officials from both countries have synchronized commercial transport documentation systems, reducing delays for agricultural and textile shipments moving between San Salvador and Guatemala City.

Health Ministry Opens $7 Million Emergency Care Expansion in Soyapango

A new emergency center at Soyapango National Hospital has begun operations after a $7 million investment, expanding trauma response capabilities and healthcare services for more than 230,000 residents.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Returns to Punta Roca for Fifth Consecutive Year

Tourism authorities and the World Surf League have finalized preparations for the Surf City El Salvador Pro, scheduled from June 5 to June 15, reinforcing Punta Roca’s role as a major stop on the international surfing calendar.

FAO Launches $21.3 Million Program to Support Salvadoran Coffee Sector

The Food and Agriculture Organization unveiled a climate resilience initiative backed by Inter-American Development Bank financing to strengthen coffee production, improve sustainability, and support small-scale growers.

International Labour Organization Ends Long-Term Monitoring of El Salvador

The International Labour Organization removed El Salvador from its monitoring shortlist, concluding more than two decades of oversight after determining that significant progress had been made in labor governance.

Volcano Bonds Advance to Infrastructure Development Phase Near Conchagua

Regulatory approvals have cleared the way for Volcano Bonds investments to move into active deployment, funding renewable energy infrastructure, fiber networks, and related development projects in the La Unión region.

DoctorSV Digital Health Platform Reaches 1.5 Million Users

The government-backed DoctorSV application has grown to 1.5 million registered users, using artificial intelligence-powered consultations and triage services to expand access to healthcare and reduce pressure on public clinics.

Digital Banking Adoption Expands Financial Inclusion Across El Salvador

Financial sector data shows that more than 75% of Salvadorans now use digital financial services, up from 30% in 2021, as mobile banking and fintech platforms become increasingly integrated with traditional banking systems.

Bukele Opens Modernized Rosales National Hospital in San Salvador

The renovated Rosales National Hospital has reopened with advanced treatment facilities, robotic medical technologies, and restored historic features aimed at improving healthcare access and patient services.

El Salvador Records Additional Homicide-Free Days Under Ongoing Security Strategy

The National Civilian Police reported further consecutive days without homicides, bringing the total number of homicide-free days in 2026 to 129 under the Territorial Control Plan and Emergency Regime.

El Salvador Channels Geothermal Energy Into AI Data Centers and Technology Development

The government has earmarked surplus geothermal power from volcanic energy facilities for artificial intelligence infrastructure and advanced computing projects, while offering tax-free incentives to attract international technology inve...

El Salvador Reports 4.2% Economic Activity Growth in Strong First Quarter

The Central Reserve Bank said economic activity expanded 4.2% in the first quarter, maintaining growth above 4% after gains of 4.8% in January and 4% in February.

President Bukele Marks Seven Years in Office as Approval Rating Reaches 85.5%

President Nayib Bukele used a nationally televised address to review seven years in power since June 2019, while independent polling by LPG Datos showed public approval at 85.5%, supported by major security gains and new infrastructure p...

El Salvador Secures International Youth Sports Tournaments

International sports organizations selected El Salvador to host several regional youth basketball and athletics events, reflecting growing confidence in the country’s security environment and upgraded sports facilities.

El Salvador Invests in Coastal Defenses to Protect Tourism Infrastructure

Government agencies launched projects to address coastal erosion and weather-related risks along La Libertad, safeguarding tourism assets and the country’s growing Surf City economy.

El Salvador Rolls Out National Digital Health Records System

The Health Ministry completed the first phase of a nationwide digital patient registry, aiming to improve healthcare delivery, streamline administration and enhance management of medical resources.

Venture Capital Investment Increases in Salvadoran Startups

Regional investment funds reported growing interest in Salvadoran fintech and tourism companies, citing regulatory reforms, digital asset policies and improved public security as drivers of entrepreneurial activity.

Food Security Concerns Rise Across El Salvador’s Dry Corridor

Agricultural agencies and humanitarian organizations warned that irregular rainfall and persistently elevated maize prices are increasing pressure on rural households and raising the risk of food insecurity in vulnerable communities.

San Salvador Launches Smart City Traffic and Public Safety Network

Municipal authorities began deploying an integrated system of sensors and cameras designed to improve traffic management, reduce emissions and support public security efforts across the metropolitan area.

Banco Industrial Expands Digital Banking Services Across Central America

Guatemala-based Banco Industrial announced plans to broaden its digital financial operations in El Salvador, Honduras and Panama, with a focus on expanding credit access and cross-border payment services.

El Salvador Expands Geothermal Energy Capacity for Industry and Bitcoin Mining

State energy authorities announced new milestones at geothermal facilities as the country advances plans to use volcanic energy resources to support industrial growth and emissions-free digital asset operations.