Earlier this week, Castro’s government deployed soldiers across the nation to fight violent criminal groups.

This is the third extension – this time by another 45 days – of the so-called state of exception that is now set to expire on May 21, the government said in a statement.

The crime-fighting policy applies to 123 local districts covering the largest population centres and allows authorities to restrict freedom of movement and assembly, as well as to search homes and make arrests without a warrant.

“This legal measure has made it possible for security authorities to capture more than a hundred members of criminal organisations,” the statement added.

The decision to continue with the policy underscores a change in tack by Castro, who previously criticised the role of the military in past administrations and pledged to “demilitarise citizen security” during her successful 2021 presidential campaign.