Honduras police execute Operation Escudo against gangs and cartels

The Honduran National Police, through the Directorate of Police Investigations (DPI) and the Anti-Extortion and Terrorist Associations Division (DAET), conducted a large-scale security operation known as ‘Operación Escudo de Honduras’. The operation targeted high-impact criminal structures across several departments.

Authorities reported the arrest of 78 individuals linked to illicit activities. Among those detained, 28 face charges of terrorist association for their alleged membership in the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Pandilla 18, and the Diablo Cartel. The operation also resulted in the deaths of three suspected criminals during confrontations.

Law enforcement seized 18 firearms of various calibers and 4.35 kilograms of narcotics. The tactical deployment was concentrated in the northern and central regions, with the highest number of arrests occurring in Cortés (23) and Francisco Morazán (21), followed by Yoro, El Paraíso, Comayagua, and Atlántida.