Death toll in Honduras ranch shooting rises to at least 20

STRINGER / AFP

At least 20 people were killed in a Thursday shooting at a palm plantation in northern Honduras, regional police said, in one of the deadliest attacks in the country this year.

Deputy Commissioner Jasser Ramos told broadcaster TN5 that 20 bodies had been recovered.

The dead included 15 men, three women and two minors, he said, after authorities earlier reported difficulty securing the scene because relatives had begun removing bodies before investigators finished their work.

Authorities have not announced a motive. The attack took place in the broader Bajo Aguan region, an area on Honduras' northern Caribbean coast long marked by violent land disputes, drug trafficking routes and the expansion of African palm cultivation.

The region has for years been the scene of clashes involving peasant groups, landowners and criminal organizations.

African palm is the crop used to produce palm oil, found in processed foods and cooking fats and also used in soaps, cosmetics and biofuels.

Honduras was once the world's most violent country by homicide rate.

Although killings have fallen sharply from their peak, the country remains among the most violent in Latin America.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Debrief

    4:00pm - 7:00pm

    Join Dane on Dubai Eye 103.8 for The Debrief from 4pm to 7pm, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the office.

  • The Score

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    Hosted by Chris McHardy, The Score is your comprehensive guide to the world of sport.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!