Publication

This note explores the impossible-to-ignore role of armed violence in Honduras, including its scope and its links to gangs and drug trafficking organizations. In the latter case, the relationship is as follows -- drug profits finance the purchase of weapons, which then both embolden and permit gangs to war with each other over desired territory and smuggling routes. This pattern, however, is not ubiquitous. Firearm homicides are highly concentrated in urban centers and around ‘strategic points’ that are protected by violent groups.