Honduras security minister reports homicide decline, defends tear‑gas protests

Honduran Security Minister Gerzón Velásquez announced that intentional homicides fell by 40 cases in the first half of 2026 compared with the previous year, and that violent deaths of women, including femicides, decreased by five. He said the figures show a significant improvement, while noting that organized crime is shifting to other activities, especially along drug‑traffic routes, and that operations continue against extortion and criminal groups.

Velásquez also justified the use of tear gas to disperse demonstrators in El Progreso, Yoro department, describing it as an operational decision when other measures fail. He mentioned the possibility of a state of exception in the Bajo Aguán region if needed, and referenced ongoing investigations into related violent incidents.