Honduras deploys soldiers on anti-crime patrols, identifies 2 suspects in factory shootings

Honduras deploys soldiers on anti-crime patrols

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — The Honduran government has deployed soldiers to perform anti-crime patrols in some of the Central American country’s most violent cities, following the massacre of 18 people in a shoe factory this week.

Security Minister Oscar Alvarez says police have identified two suspects among the five attackers in the factory shooting, which authorities believe resulted from rivalry between street gangs.

Alvarez said Thursday the suspects are in hiding and have not been apprehended.

Alvarez did not specify the number of soldiers assigned to anti-crime duties, but said they will help police patrol and search for weapons and drugs.

The region has long been a hotbed of gunbattles between drug traffickers and among the country’s Mara street gangs.