TEGUCIGALPA, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Honduran government extended a partial state of emergency imposed to combat crime, prolonging it by 45 days, Honduran media reported Tuesday.
Honduras' Council of Ministers presided over by President Xiomara Castro extended the measure on Monday, meaning it remains in place until 6:00 p.m. local time on Jan. 1, 2024, according to the Government Gazette.
The measure seeks to counter criminal activity by organized crime rings in 158 municipalities across the Central American nation, especially violent extortion.
First launched in December 2022, the state of emergency has allowed the National Police and other state institutions to carry out various operations to combat gangs and drug trafficking.
According to the government, the new extension seeks to maintain active measures to guarantee security and order in crime-ridden municipalities. ■