Honduras military prepares offensive against criminal cartels

Honduran Armed Forces have announced an upcoming offensive against drug cartels and organized crime structures following recent security reforms. General Héctor Valerio, Chief of the Joint Staff, stated that these legal reforms provide new tools to act directly against criminal organizations operating within the country.

Valerio emphasized that the military strategy will become more forceful, aiming to reach all individuals involved in illicit activities. He noted that successful implementation depends on institutional coordination between justice operators, prosecutors, and security forces.

Meanwhile, the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ) has noted that while official data shows some reductions in homicide rates, the decrease is not yet significant. Nelson Castañeda, Security Director at ASJ, warned that the effectiveness of these reforms depends on efficient budgetary planning and the commitment of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. He also stressed the need for mechanisms to protect human rights and citizen guarantees alongside aggressive security measures.