Facing soaring crime and one of the world's highest murder rates, Honduras’ president, Porfirio Lobo, has announced a new security plan, which will involve the military supporting police operations.
The security plan assigns police commanders to lead operations, dividing the country into eight regions, including Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. The new plan will have military forces supporting National Police in both routine patrols and strategic operations against drug-related crime.
The president also promised to increase the size of the police force, which currently numbers around 14,000 officers.
Non-governmental organizations have again criticized President Lobo for militarizing public security, citing concerns about the armed forces committing abuses.
The president announced his intention to take a more active role in addressing security issues following the departure of public security chief, Oscar Alvarez.
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