El Salvador’s military has grown by 50 percent since President Funes came to power in 2009. $25 million boost

El Salvador has increased its troop numbers by almost 57 percent since President Mauricio Funes came to power in 2009, according to the country’s Ministry of Defense.

The Ministry of Defense figures show that the military has expanded from 11,000 during the administration of Antonio Saca to over 17,000 today.

The extra troops have cost an estimated $25 million in additional salaries, according to the former defense minister and newly appointed minister of justice and security, General David Munguia Payes.

Original source: InSight Crime