# MS-13 gang law enforcement operations in Central America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ms-13-gang-law-enforcement-operations-in-central-america
> Updated: 2026-09-14T16:40:48.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Law enforcement actions against the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang have been reported in Guatemala and Honduras.

In Guatemala, police arrested seven core MS-13 members linked to at least 17 murders occurring between 2025 and 2026. These killings are attributed to territorial disputes between MS-13 and the Barrio 18 gang over drug trafficking and extortion. The arrests follow a period of political instability and high homicide rates in the country.

In Honduras, a court in Choloma ordered preventive detention for two MS-13 members following an operation by the Anti-Extortion and Terrorist Associations Division (DAET). The suspects face charges of aggravated drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms after authorities seized ammunition, marijuana, and cocaine during the arrest.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Honduras: Two MS-13 members ordered into preventive detention

Two MS-13 gang members face preventive detention in Choloma, Honduras, on charges of aggravated drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/honduras-two-ms-13-members-ordered-into-preventive-detention

### 2026-09-10: Guatemala police arrest seven MS-13 gang members for 17 murders

Guatemalan authorities arrested seven MS-13 gang members suspected of involvement in 17 murders linked to territorial conflicts between rival gangs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-police-arrest-seven-ms-13-gang-members-for-17-murders

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Cite as: MS-13 gang law enforcement operations in Central America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ms-13-gang-law-enforcement-operations-in-central-america