Central America

Honduras: assets seized and criminal structure linked to Sinaloa Cartel dismantled

November 21 |

The Special Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime (Fesco) and the Directorate for the Fight against Drug Trafficking (DLCN) of Honduras have carried out an operation to dismantle a criminal organization with connections to the Sinaloa Cartel. The Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) has seized 73 assets belonging to this criminal structure while carrying out raids and arrests.

The action has been carried out in the departments of Cortés, Yoro and Colón. A total of 18 raids, one inspection and the seizure of two companies, 13 real estate assets and 58 vehicles are part of the measures taken in the operation. 92 DLCN detectives and 114 military police personnel collaborated with prosecutors in this initiative.

The investigation that led to the dismantling of the criminal gang was carried out over a year, and as a result, nine arrest warrants have been issued for the main members of the organization. The prosecution has highlighted the gang’s modus operandi and its confirmed links to Mexican drug traffickers, specifically the Sinaloa Cartel.

According to information provided by the Attorney General’s Office, the criminal organization had a team specialized in transporting drugs, as well as others dedicated to security and assassination activities in Honduras. Honduras, like others in Central America, serves as a bridge for cocaine trafficking from South America to the United States.

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It is worth noting that Honduras has faced significant problems related to drug trafficking, and the recent operation is a sign of the authorities’ ongoing effort to combat these illicit activities. The fight against organized crime in the region has become more prominent in recent years, with various efforts to dismantle criminal networks and reduce drug trafficking.

Central America

Costa Rica closes embassy in Cuba, citing human rights concerns

The government of Costa Rica announced on Wednesday the closure of its embassy in Cuba, a move that signals a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Foreign Minister Arnoldo André confirmed that Costa Rica has also requested the withdrawal of Cuban diplomatic personnel from San José, leaving only consular representation in place.

According to André, the decision is driven by concerns over the worsening human rights situation on the island, including increased repression against citizens and opposition figures.

He also noted that Cuba’s ongoing economic and social crisis—marked by shortages of food, medicine, and basic services—has made the operation of the embassy increasingly difficult.

President Rodrigo Chaves backed the measure, stating that his administration does not recognize the legitimacy of Cuba’s political system.

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In response, the Cuban government rejected the decision, calling it a “unilateral” move taken under pressure from United States.

“Under pressure from the United States, Costa Rica has limited its relations with Cuba to consular matters,” Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said, describing the action as “arbitrary.”

Despite the diplomatic setback, Cuban authorities stated that historical ties between the two nations would endure.

Central America

Costa Rica closes Cuba embassy as president escalates rhetoric

The president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, escalated political rhetoric on Wednesday, stating that “the hemisphere must be cleansed of communists,” following his government’s decision to close its embassy in Cuba.

The remarks come as Costa Rica moves to downgrade diplomatic relations with the island, citing a sustained deterioration in human rights. Chaves reiterated that his administration does not recognize the legitimacy of the Cuban government, accusing it of repression and of maintaining poor living conditions for its population.

“We do not recognize the legitimacy of that government. We will not maintain a consulate there; services will be handled from Panama,” Chaves said during a press conference.

The president also argued that the communist model has “failed” not only in Cuba but in every country where it has been implemented, emphasizing that freedom is essential for development.

The decision was made in coordination with president-elect Laura Fernández, who is set to take office on May 8 and is expected to maintain the same foreign policy stance.

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Foreign Minister Arnoldo André confirmed the closure of the embassy in Havana and requested that Cuba withdraw its diplomatic personnel from San José, while maintaining limited consular functions.

Costa Rican authorities justified the move by pointing to increased repression against citizens, activists, and opposition figures, as well as restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

The closure marks a new point of tension in bilateral relations and comes amid growing international pressure on Cuba.

Central America

Analyst questions IACHR role over report on El Salvador emergency measures

Political analyst Óscar Martínez Peñate on Tuesday called for a review of the role currently played by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), arguing that it has undermined its credibility by hosting the presentation of a report critical of El Salvador.

Speaking during the interview program Panorama, Martínez questioned the commission’s decision to accept a report prepared by the Grupo Internacional de Expertas y Expertos para la Investigación de Violaciones de Derechos Humanos en El Salvador, which examines alleged human rights violations under the country’s state of emergency.

“We should examine what the current role of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is. How is it possible that they agree to host the presentation of a report whose premise is against a State, a government, a political system, and Salvadoran society?” Martínez said.

He added that by allowing the presentation of the report, the commission “automatically disqualifies itself.”

Martínez also questioned whether it is appropriate for the IACHR to serve as a “platform” for what he described as the defense of criminals, by treating the GIPES report as credible.

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According to the analyst, the commission is acting in a way that contradicts its mandate by enabling narratives that, in his view, go against Salvadoran society.