Mexico's relentless battle: Cartel violence strikes festivals and officials
Mexico is grappling with another wave of violence. In the state of Guanajuato, seven people were killed during a Catholic festival, and in the capital, two officials were murdered. Authorities suspect drug cartels are behind the attacks.
On Monday morning in San Bartolo de Berrios, in the state of Guanajuato, a tragic incident occurred. During a Catholic festival organised by the local parish, attackers opened fire, killing seven young people, including minors. Witnesses report dozens of shots were fired.
Mexico has been struggling with violence related to the activities of drug cartels for a long time. Although attacks on nightclubs or bars are relatively common, assaults on church ceremonies are rare.
According to the BBC, in Guanajuato, the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel and the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel (CJNG) are in conflict. Writings left at the crime scene suggest that the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel may be responsible for the attack.
Another act of violence occurred in Mexico City. Two close associates of Mayor Clara Brugada were killed by attackers: Secretary Ximena Guzmán and advisor José Muñoz. The president of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, reported that the perpetrators were likely on a motorcycle.
Government reaction
Clara Brugada announced on the X platform that the perpetrators will be captured and brought to justice. Meanwhile, as reported by "El Sol de México," since Sheinbaum took office, the number of inmates in Mexican prisons has increased by over 20,000 people, indicating a crackdown on gangs.
Human rights expert Sofía González Talamantes assessed that the increase in the number of inmates reflects the government's hardline policy in the fight against crime. Authorities are more often using preventive detention for those arrested.
