Edition of November 3, 2026
Rebel Bites
Theresa Ejiro EfiakpovworeBukele meets Dan Katz, the IMF's First Deputy Managing Director, to discuss reforms and artificial intelligence
President Nayib Bukele met Dan Katz, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Katz himself announced on X on Tuesday, November 3. Katz called it an "excellent meeting" and wrote: "Unlocking more private investment and harnessing new technologies will be key to building on recent gains & realizing the country's growth potential." Bukele said the conversation turned to the potential impact of artificial intelligence, writing that "our discussion about the economy, the job market, healthcare, education, public spending, and social safety nets ended up being far more interesting than a traditional meeting with the IMF." The meeting comes after the IMF approved the second and third reviews of its program with El Salvador on October 1, which enabled a disbursement of about $138 million, according to Contrapunto and El Diario de Hoy.
Arrests of Salvadorans at the US southern border fall 96% from 2023, according to the Border Patrol
Arrests of Salvadorans at the US southern border fell 96% in fiscal year 2026 compared with 2023, according to Border Patrol data reported by Diario El Salvador, Infobae and El Diario de Hoy. The outlets publish different absolute figures depending on the period and sector they use, so only the percentage they agree on is given here. According to Diario El Salvador, a Border Patrol agent said most of those arrested in the last fiscal year were single adults and warned of the dangers of the journey. Infobae attributes the drop partly to cooperation between the governments of El Salvador and the United States.
State debt to the pension funds rises $113.43 million in September to $11,874.74 million, according to the BCR
The Salvadoran state's debt to the pension funds reached $11,874.74 million as of September 2026, according to Central Reserve Bank (BCR) data published by Contrapunto and El Diario de Hoy. In September alone it rose by $113.43 million. Both outlets explain that the state finances itself with instruments that the pension fund managers (AFPs) buy with contributing workers' savings. The government is preparing a new pension system reform for 2027 as part of its commitments to the IMF.
Haiti's prime minister highlights support from El Salvador and Bukele in the offensive against gangs
Haiti's prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, reaffirmed at a press conference devoted to security that his government aims to regain control of the territory with the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H), according to Diario La Página and El Diario de Hoy. Fils-Aimé said these forces are joining efforts around a common strategy and specifically cited the support of President Nayib Bukele and El Salvador. He also warned that the actions will reach what he called "gangs in ties" (our translation), referring to powerful networks linked to crime.
The Environment Ministry presents its 2027 budget to lawmakers, prioritizing seismic and volcanic monitoring
The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), Fernando López, presented the ministry's 2027 budget proposal to lawmakers in the Legislative Assembly, according to Diario La Huella and Infobae. Among the priorities, he named strengthening seismic and volcanic monitoring and early warning systems. The minister said the country has 211 protected natural areas. The two outlets report figures for the proposal that cannot be cross-checked, so they are not included.
Salvadoran troops launch their first major operation against gangs in Haiti's Cul-de-Sac plain
Salvadoran troops on Monday launched their first major operation in the Cul-de-Sac plain, northeast of Port-au-Prince, against the Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo gangs, which are blamed for the disappearance of four Salvadoran soldiers, according to EFE as cited by Infobae, 20minutos, Acento and RTVE. Around ten armored vehicles and soldiers with assault rifles advanced in the Santo and Croix-des-Missions sectors; according to the Haitian press, at least ten gang members were killed in the clashes, and Infobae notes that no casualties among the Salvadoran forces, the Haitian National Police or civilians have been officially reported. The Haitian National Police announced a broad operation in the area with support from the UN-mandated Gang Suppression Force, which according to its statement aims "to eliminate toll checkpoints, put an end to kidnapping attempts and to the abuse the population suffers at the hands of terrorist bandits in the Cul-de-Sac plain" (our translation). President Nayib Bukele shared on X a video of Salvadoran armored vehicles in Haiti accompanied only by El Salvador's flag; Diario Libre notes the video does not say where or when it was filmed. The whereabouts of the four Salvadorans remain officially unconfirmed.
400 Mawozo leader tells AP, without evidence, that the four Salvadoran technicians are dead
Wilson Joseph, alias Lanmò Sanjou, head of the Haitian gang 400 Mawozo, confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday that he wrote to the UN Secretary-General to ask for a delegation for dialogue and mediation, according to the AP report published by The Morning Call and Listín Diario. Joseph told AP that the four Salvadoran aviation technicians are dead and that the October 18 attack took place in the territory of Chen Mechan, another gang; he provided no evidence. According to AP, the Haitian government has said the four were kidnapped and the government of El Salvador believes they are still alive. Joseph said he is willing to talk and lay down arms, but refused to say what he wants in return. In his letter he wrote: "I remain convinced that dialogue must prevail over force" (our translation).
The PNC reports zero homicides on Monday, November 2, All Souls' Day
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Monday, November 2, ended with 0 homicides in the country. The PNC published the count shortly after midnight, as it does every day. The Presidential Press Secretariat said El Salvador "once again closed the day without homicides nationwide" (our translation) and credited the security work of President Nayib Bukele's government. It is the second day in a row with zero homicides according to the PNC, which also reported 0 on Sunday, November 1. The figures are the government's.
Total public debt rises 4.3% to $35,267.92 million as of September, according to BCR data
El Salvador's total public debt rose 4.3% between January and September 2026 compared with the end of 2025, to $35,267.92 million, according to Central Reserve Bank (BCR) data released on Monday and reported by EFE in Diario Libre and ABC Color. That is an increase of $1,459.17 million from $33,808.75 million in December 2025. Of the total, $15,793.97 million is external debt, which grew 3.7% ($569.04 million), and $19,473.95 million is domestic debt, which grew 4.8% ($890.13 million). Of the domestic debt, $11,874.74 million is owed to the private pension funds.
El Salvador and six other countries review the Roadmap against illicit arms trafficking, according to the OAS
Authorities from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and the Dominican Republic met virtually on October 29 at the First Annual Meeting of the Roadmap against Illicit Arms Trafficking, a ten-year regional strategy adopted in February 2025, the Organization of American States (OAS) reported. According to the OAS, they reviewed progress on national action plans, coordination between institutions and the monitoring system, and presented their priorities for the next period. Guatemala was the first country to complete and validate its national plan, and the Dominican Republic is about to approve a decree creating a national commission. El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama are still developing their national plans, according to the OAS. Infobae also reported on the meeting.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat says four Salvadoran athletes will take part in a training experience with the NBA in Mexico from November 4 to 8
The Press Secretariat says four Salvadoran athletes will take part in a training experience with the NBA in Mexico from November 4 to 8.
PNC: The Rural Police patrol coffee farms in San Juan Opico during the harvest
The PNC says the Rural Police patrol coffee farms in San Juan Opico during the harvest.
Press Secretariat: There are 348 tour guides accredited by Corsatur in the country
According to the Press Secretariat, there are 348 tour guides accredited by Corsatur in the country.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat invites people to the Pupusa Festival at Balboa Natural Park on Sunday, November 8
The Press Secretariat invites people to the Pupusa Festival at Balboa Natural Park on Sunday, November 8.
PNC: Reports preventive patrols with the Armed Forces in rural areas of La Paz and Chalatenango
The PNC reports preventive patrols with the Armed Forces in rural areas of La Paz and Chalatenango.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat reports Bukele's meeting with the IMF's Dan Katz, in which they discussed the potential impact of artificial intelligence
The Press Secretariat reports Bukele's meeting with the IMF's Dan Katz, in which they discussed the potential impact of artificial intelligence.
Bukele: Quotes Dan Katz's post and says the conversation drifted toward the potential impact of AI and was more interesting than a traditional meeting with the IMF
Bukele quotes Dan Katz's post and says the conversation drifted toward the potential impact of AI and was more interesting than a traditional meeting with the IMF.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat says Monday, November 2, ended with no homicides in the country and credits the government's security work
The Press Secretariat says Monday, November 2, ended with no homicides in the country and credits the government's security work.
PNC: Monday, November 2, ended with 0 homicides in the country
The PNC reports that Monday, November 2, ended with 0 homicides in the country.
PNC: Shows night patrols in the districts of San Salvador Sur
The PNC shows night patrols in the districts of San Salvador Sur.
Bukele: Reposts a Washington Times post saying a powerful Haitian gang leader told AP he wrote to the UN seeking dialogue as clashes intensify
Bukele reposts a Washington Times post saying a powerful Haitian gang leader told AP he wrote to the UN seeking dialogue as clashes intensify.
PNC: It is providing security at the All Souls' Day night activities at the Santa Isabel Municipal Cemetery in Santa Ana Centro
The PNC says it is providing security at the All Souls' Day night activities at the Santa Isabel Municipal Cemetery in Santa Ana Centro.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat shares a column by the Press Secretary (@NetoSanabria) in Diario El Salvador that criticizes the ARENA and FMLN governments and defends the government's security policy
The Press Secretariat shares a column by the Press Secretary (@NetoSanabria) in Diario El Salvador that criticizes the ARENA and FMLN governments and defends the government's security policy.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat shares a video of families who visited the General Cemetery of San Salvador on November 2
The Press Secretariat shares a video of families who visited the General Cemetery of San Salvador on November 2.
PNC: Shows its night presence in La Libertad Oeste and Ahuachapán Centro
The PNC shows its night presence in La Libertad Oeste and Ahuachapán Centro.
Bukele: Reposts an EFE post about Salvadoran troops' first major operation in Haiti's Cul-de-Sac plain against the Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo gangs
Bukele reposts an EFE post about Salvadoran troops' first major operation in Haiti's Cul-de-Sac plain against the Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo gangs.
Press Secretariat: Bukele met with Yossi Sidoff, founder of Shakuf Lighting, who gave him a book
According to the Press Secretariat, Bukele met with Yossi Sidoff, founder of Shakuf Lighting, who gave him a book.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat shares a video from First Lady Gabriela de Bukele with moments from the month of childhood activities
The Press Secretariat shares a video from First Lady Gabriela de Bukele with moments from the month of childhood activities.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat says All Souls' Day passed peacefully at the cemeteries and credits the government's security strategies
The Press Secretariat says All Souls' Day passed peacefully at the cemeteries and credits the government's security strategies.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat promotes guided tours of the National Theater of San Salvador until midnight on November 2
The Press Secretariat promotes guided tours of the National Theater of San Salvador until midnight on November 2.
Press Secretariat: The Press Secretariat promotes ESIT's technical degree in Data Center Operation and invites people to enroll
The Press Secretariat promotes ESIT's technical degree in Data Center Operation and invites people to enroll.
PNC: It is providing security for a religious procession through the streets of Tacuba, Ahuachapán Centro
The PNC says it is providing security for a religious procession through the streets of Tacuba, Ahuachapán Centro.
PNC: PNC traffic officers direct traffic around the Los Cipreses Memorial Park in Soyapango for All Souls' Day visits
PNC traffic officers direct traffic around the Los Cipreses Memorial Park in Soyapango for All Souls' Day visits.
Bukele: Quotes, with only El Salvador's flag, a post with a video of Salvadoran soldiers and armored vehicles in Haiti
Bukele quotes, with only El Salvador's flag, a post with a video of Salvadoran soldiers and armored vehicles in Haiti.
Armed Forces: Shows their presence at the Santa Tecla Municipal Cemetery during All Souls' Day visits
The Armed Forces show their presence at the Santa Tecla Municipal Cemetery during All Souls' Day visits.