Car bomb attacks signal escalation of cartel violence in Mexico
Guanajuato, the state with the highest homicide rate, saw two explosions in Acámbaro and Jerécuaro — a tactic that’s been used before in the spiral of violent crime affecting the region
Mexico
Elías Camhaji
Mexico - OCT 25, 2024 - 04:55 EDT
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Cartel violence is gripping Mexico. In the state of Guerrero, the mayor of Chilpancingo was decapitated. In Sinaloa, a truck was discovered with at least five bodies along with the ominous message “Welcome to Culiacán.” And now Guanajuato has been shaken by two explosions.
Police in the city of Acámbaro reported a car bomb attack outside their offices, resulting in at least three officers injured, seven vehicles burned, and extensive property damage early Thursday morning. Just hours earlier, in the city of Jerécuaro, located just 20 miles away, another attack was reported: a car exploded and several others were set on fire, including a patrol car. No deaths were reported.
Guanajuato is the Mexican state with the highest number of intentional homicides, with 1,863 open murder investigations this year, according to official data. The state is grappling to understand these brutal events, as no criminal organization has claimed responsibility. The new governor, who took office less than a month ago, is seeking answers.
“The events that occurred in Acámbaro and Jerécuaro will not stop our efforts to restore peace to Guanajuato,” said Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo, who was inaugurated as state governor on September 26. In response to the violence, she announced a coordinated land and air operation to apprehend those responsible, and suspended her public agenda to address the emergency.
https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-10-25/car-bomb-attacks-signal-escalation-of-cartel-violence-in-mexico.html
