Authorities in Honduras arrested a suspected gang leader they say masterminded the killings of 19 farm workers last month. The suspect, known as 'The Black Cat,' was detained on Tuesday in connection with the attack in the Bajo Aguan region.
Carlos Molina, also called El Gato Negro, is accused of planning and providing material support for the massacre at a palm plantation in Rigores. Security Minister Gerzon Velasquez said at least six people carried out the attack, though none have been caught. The killings occurred amid ongoing clashes between rival gangs over palm farms and drug routes in the area. On the same day in mid-May, five police officers were killed near the Guatemala border. Honduran lawmakers have approved new measures allowing the military to join security operations and creating an anti-organized crime unit. The reforms also permit classifying gangs as terrorist groups.
