Tegucigalpa, June 30 (RHC)-- In Honduras, human rights advocates are warning of possible violations after Honduran armed forces raided prisons nationwide and the government announced a massive crackdown on organized crime. 

The operation drew comparisons with neighboring El Salvador, as photos emerged of prisoners wearing nothing but underwear, sitting in rows with their heads down and hands around the back of their necks while armed soldiers in riot gear watched over them. 

Colonel Fernando Muñoz, speaking to reporters after soldiers said they seized guns, ammunition and grenades from a prison in the city of Tamara, said: “Following the president’s order, we have started transitioning the prisons from the National Police to the military police.  We have begun the searches in order to take control of the jails.”

The prison in Tamara is where at least 41 women were killed last week by accused gang members in possible complicity with prison authorities.