At least eight people were killed Tuesday when heavily-armed assailants opened fire on a bus terminal in northern Honduras.

All the victims worked for bus companies, leading authorities to believe the attack was in retribution for failing to pay protection money.

"The attack targeted the drivers, dispatchers and assistants, allegedly for failing to pay the 'war tax', an extortion of the gangs that operate in Honduras," the daily La Prensa said.

"The drivers say they had already been forced to pay the criminal gangs that operate in the area," the daily added.

Eyewitness said the hooded gunmen riding in a blue KIA van shot at a grey bus belonging to the Etislah company and at offices around midday in the city of Choloma in Cortes, one of the country's 18 departments.

The attack claimed the lives of three bus drivers, three assistants and two dispatchers, injuring two others.

The bodies of the two dispatchers were found inside an office. No passengers were killed in the attack.

According to the daily, the gang members were wearing investigative police uniforms, and the attack took place a block from a police station.

Authorities offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the attackers and have detained a suspect in connection with the shooting, the daily added. Endit

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