Honduran Military Urged to Intensify Crackdown on Crime

President Porfirio Lobo urged high ranking military officers to intensify the struggle against crime in Honduras, Defense Minister Marlon Pascua confirmed today.

During a meeting with the Army Junta commanders, Lobo discussed the situation and called on them to take stronger actions in the field of security in order to curb crime in the territory.

According to the National Human Rights Commissioner, at least 15,657 violent deaths were registered in the first 28 months of the Lobo Administration, and the homicide rate has exceeded the worldwide average of 8.8 per 100,000 inhabitants set by the World Health Organization.

In fact, 156 municipalities had more than 50 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, and nearly 86 municipalities reported rates over 80, added the commissioner.

However, Pascua commented to La Tribuna newspaper that such meetings between Lobo and the Army commanders are held every three months, attended by members of the Army, led by Commander of the Joint Chief of Staff, Rene Osorio.

The Defense Minister said they are waiting for the budget allocation needed to continue working on the question, through Operacion Relampago (Lightning Operation), begun in November last year and reinforced as of March 2012 as approved by the National Congress.

That strategy involves joint patrols of the capitalâ�Ös neighborhoods by Army and Police members and detention of suspects.

The operation was launched in the wake of a police scandal for the alleged involvement of hundreds of officers in organized crime, including killings.

Members of the Armed Forces are also taking part in actions to address crises in various hospitals due to multiple factors, including several strikes by health professionals striving to defend salary gains that have not been respected by the Government..