VOICED : Fuerzas de Honduras El Salvador y Guatemala aseguran fronteras

Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala have joined forces to tackle crime in their border areas, one of the most violent non-war zones globally. The Mara Salvatrucha gang often extorts transporters, demanding monthly payments for safety. The trinational effort aims to prevent kidnapping, drug, arms, and human trafficking. The governments hope to show responsibility to Washington, which approved $750 million in aid for security and development. Residents and travelers have welcomed the initiative, which began on November 15 with checkpoints and patrols. In 2015, the three nations recorded over 17,400 homicides, mostly due to gang and cartel activities.

Which countries have joined forces to tackle crime in their border areas?

• El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama

• Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador

• Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala

• Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica

What is one of the main criminal activities that the Mara Salvatrucha gangs are involved in?

• Extortion of transporters

• Illegal fishing

• Money laundering

• Cybercrime

What is the purpose of the $750 million aid approved by Washington?

• To build new roads

• To improve security and development

• To fund educational programs

• To support agricultural projects

When did the trinational security efforts officially begin?

• October 1

• November 15

• December 25

• January 10

How many homicides were recorded in 2015 across the three nations?

• Over 30,000

• Over 25,000

• Over 17,400

• Over 10,000