Honduras' Intensifying Drug Fight

A twin-engine plane thought to be transporting cocaine crashed June 13 in Honduras near the town of Los Lirios, Olancho department, during a pursuit by Honduran military helicopters and Super Tucano aircraft. According to witnesses, the pursuing helicopters downed the aircraft, which reports said had two bullet holes in a propeller blade.

The prevalence of drug trafficking in Honduras and the increased cooperation between Honduran and U.S. forces lend credibility to the reports. The incident signals a possible shift toward more aggressive U.S.-backed Honduran drug interdiction efforts.