25 Dead Including Six Cops After Gunmen Launch Twin Attacks In Honduras

New Delhi: On Thursday, gunmen opened fire at two different places in the maritime area of ​​Honduras. A total of 25 people lost their lives in these attacks. Six police officers are also among those who died. The government has sent investigation teams to both places.

Where and how did the first attack take place?

The first attack took place on a plantation in the city of Trujillo in northern Honduras. According to government lawyer Yuri Mora, at least 19 workers working there were shot. Police spokesperson said that there is difficulty in counting the dead bodies because many family members took away the dead bodies of their loved ones.

Why is this area already infamous?

This area of ​​Trujillo has been known for land disputes for decades. There are plenty of natural resources like mines and forests here. The fight for its possession continues. People who demand rights for environment and land are threatened. Espionage is conducted behind them. The Human Rights Commission has also asked to provide security to many activists.

How dangerous is Honduras for environmental activists?

In 2024, Juan Lopez, a prominent environmental leader, was killed here. This area is under the control of the army, yet the danger has not reduced. Global Witness report states that 5 environmental activists will be killed here in 2024 and 18 in 2023. The good thing is that the three masterminds of Lopez's murder were caught recently. This rarely happens in Honduras.

How were the policemen killed in the second attack?

The second attack took place in Omoa which is near the Guatemala border. Here the police team going against the gang was ambushed and attacked. Six policemen were killed, including a senior officer. This team was going from the capital Tegucigalpa to Omoa.

What steps is the government taking now?

The Security Ministry has said that police and army will be deployed at both places. A special team of forensic experts and government lawyers will be formed and investigated. Is crime still a big issue in Honduras?

Is crime still a big issue in Honduras?

Honduras has been troubled by gangs and drugs for a long time. However, according to the World Bank, murder cases have decreased significantly since 2011. In 2011, there were 83 murders for every 1 lakh people.

What do human rights organizations object to?

International organizations criticize the methods used by Honduras' military. It says that in the name of stopping crime, torture, disappearance of people and fake encounters have increased. In January 2026, the "State of Exception" imposed here for 3 years has been removed. In this, more power was given to the army by restricting some constitutional rights of the common people.