Western Hemisphere 93
Narrative: Honduran and Nicaraguan patrol vessels exchanged shots on the Gulf of
Fonseca. Each side claims the other initiated the incident. While Honduras claims
there were no casualties, Nicaragua claims two were killed.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from February 2, 1991. End Date changed from
February 2, 1991. Fatalities changed from None.
MID#4011
Dispute Number: 4011
Date(s): April 8, 1995 to June 13, 1995
Participants: 93 Nicaragua/91 Honduras
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: This dispute begins in April 1995 and concerned a disagreement
between Nicaragua and Honduras over territorial waters in the Gulf of Fonseca. On
April 8, 1995, Nicaraguan ships captured and detained eight Honduran fishermen.
Honduran naval ships followed the Nicaraguan vessels to a nearby island, and a
brief skirmish followed. On May 31, a Nicaraguan vessel attempted to arrest Hon-
duran fishing boats and was fired upon by a Honduran ship. In response to these
incidents Nicaraguan officials ordered their navy to intensify its operations in the
area and began bringing more naval ships into the Gulf of Fonseca. The dispute
came to an end on June 16 after an accord was reached to demarcate the disputed
water with buoys.
Coding changes: Settlement changed from Unclear.
MID#4012
Dispute Number: 4012
Date(s): December 17, 1995 to December 22, 1995
Participants: 91 Honduras/93 Nicaragua
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Honduras and Nicaragua had conflicting claims over maritime areas in
the Caribbean Sea. Honduras threatened to open fire on any Nicaraguan ships in the
disputed area, while Nicaraguan officials warned that, if threatened, its navy would
fight back. On December 17, the Nicaraguan coast guard intercepted and boarded
four Honduran fishing boats, arresting over 100 men. The incident led to a shootout
between both sides. Most of the fishermen were released within a few days but several
were held for additional questioning. Five days later Honduras reiterated its threat to
fire on Nicaraguan patrol boats in the area.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from December 22, 1995.
MID#4171
Dispute Number: 4171
Date(s): January 9, 1997 to August 1997