El Salvador: Injuries reported during trade union protest in Soyapango (San Salvador department) August 31

Event

Three people who had been participating in a trade union protest outside the mayor's office in Soyapango (San Salvador department) received bullet wounds as violence erupted at the demonstration site in the early hours of Monday, August 31. At least five others were also treated for injuries resulting from projectiles and tear gas. The protest has been ongoing for four days over service delivery in the area. Unionists reported that they were attacked by armed men at around 01:20 (local time), but other witness reports suggest the shots came from the mayor's office in self-defense as around 100 protesters attempted to storm the premises. Members of the Metropolitan Agents Corps (CAM) have been deployed to the mayor's office during the unrest to protect the facility. The streets surrounding the mayor's office were still cordoned off during the day on Monday and trade unionists were still present in the area.

Further unrest is possible in Soyapango over the coming days and associated disruption to transportation is possible in the vicinity of demonstrations. 

Advice

Individuals in San Salvador department are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.