At least 25 people were killed in two separate attacks carried out by gunmen in Honduras, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The incidents occurred in the cities of Choloma and El Progreso, both located in the northern region of the country.
Attack in Choloma
In the first attack, gunmen opened fire on a group of people gathered outside a bar in Choloma, leaving 12 dead and several injured. According to local police, the assailants arrived in a vehicle and fired indiscriminately before fleeing the scene. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but authorities suspect it may be linked to gang violence.
Attack in El Progreso
In the second incident, at least 13 people were killed when gunmen stormed a house in El Progreso. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots late Saturday night. The victims included men and women, and some were reportedly bound before being shot. Police have launched an investigation and are searching for the perpetrators.
Rising Violence
Honduras has been grappling with high levels of violence, often associated with drug trafficking and organized crime. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world. These latest attacks have sparked concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of government security measures.
President Xiomara Castro condemned the attacks and vowed to bring the culprits to justice. In a statement, she expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for unity in the fight against crime. Security forces have been deployed to the affected areas to prevent further incidents.
The attacks come ahead of local elections scheduled for next month, raising fears of political violence. However, officials have not yet established a direct link between the shootings and the electoral process. The government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
