Honduras moves 1,000 troops to north after 11 die in clashes

Honduras moves 1,000 troops to north after 11 die in clashes

2011-08-17 11:33:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

YORO, HONDURAS (BNO NEWS) -- The Honduran armed forces have deployed an additional 600 personnel to Bajo Aguan where land conflicts have resulted in at least 11 deaths, local media reported on Tuesday.

In total, Honduras has now deployed a total of 1,000 military personnel in its Bajo Aguan region, which is located in the northern region of the country. It follows the discovery of five bodies at a ranch in Bajo Aguan on Monday, only one day after violent clashes left four others killed and eleven injures. Two others were also killed in similar incidents.

Honduran Minister of Security Oscar Alvarez said he regretted the deaths of innocent civilians and sympathized with those who have suffered attacks from armed groups. The minister described the groups as "so-called farmers and possibly drug dealers who are wanting to settle themselves in that area, as well as wanting to cause fear and scare away local residents."

Government officials, including National Police and Armed Forces, gathered on Monday at the Presidential House to discuss the implementation of Operation Xatruch II, which is aimed at establishing stability in the area and disarming all residents.

Alvarez said a local headquarters would be set up where police, attorneys, judges, and public prosecutors would meet. In addition, the national Armed Forces would also set up permanent installations and not temporary tents, he noted.

Farmers in the areas where the conflict broke out have been found to have been armed with assault weapons, including AK-47s, M-16s, and MKS rifles, among others. "They call themselves farmers," Alvarez said, but "we call them criminals."

Alvarez added that government officials have invited human rights officials to monitor the situation permanently as it sends in troops. "We are there to establish order," Alvarez underlined in anticipation of possible allegations against military troops and government officials.

The previous operation, Operation Xatruch I, consisted of the same targets as around 1,000 military personnel had been deployed in the region. But the troops were called back after peace and stability had been re-established.

Alvarez said that armed groups are continuing to try to scare off agriculture business groups and drive out "the real farmers." He added that President Porfirio Lobo Sosa and the Supreme Court will order local judges to be firm when prosecuting those in possession of arms.

According to Honduras' federal law, those in possession of illegal weapons face a nine-year prison term without bail.

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