Part 5/9:
The MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) gang originated as a violent criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and violence primarily within Central America and the United States. Over time, MS-13 has become notorious for brutality, including murders and other acts of intimidation.
Given their history, MS-13’s activities mainly serve their interests in territorial control and criminal enterprise, rather than explicitly advancing a political or ideological cause. Nevertheless, some analysts argue that in regions where MS-13 operates, their violence destabilizes governments and coercively influences communities—tactics reminiscent of terrorist activity.