Gang violence kills at least 25 in Honduras
At least 25 people were killed in gang clashes near San Pedro Sula in Honduras. The Castro government extended the state of emergency and the military began patrols on the north coast; analysts say US regional policy is adding pressure on Tegucigalpa.
The Honduran National Police said at least 25 people were killed in clashes between two gangs near San Pedro Sula. The incident took place in the Choloma area of the Cortés department, and the violence affected a substantial part of the north coast. The government extended the nationwide state of emergency by 90 days and deployed special forces to the area.
President Xiomara Castro described the country's security situation as 'critical' and said the violence was linked to mounting drug-trafficking pressure in recent months. The United States' pardon last month of former Honduran president Hernández stirred controversy in domestic politics; the Castro government criticised the decision as weakening regional counter-narcotics efforts. Roughly 12 percent of Honduran GDP depends on migrant remittances, and US policy shifts directly affect inflows.
UN special regional strategy coordinator Carlos Ruiz Massieu said the north-coast violence reflects growing concerns across Central America. In coming weeks the national security council will weigh additional measures, and the Castro government will hold coordination talks with neighbouring El Salvador and Guatemala. The Insurance Council of Honduras reported that commercial-insurance premiums in the region are up 18 percent since the start of the year.
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