On October 24, 2023, a series of armed confrontations across Mexico culminated in the tragic deaths of 24 individuals, including several police officers. These attacks add to the existing concerns about the safety and security of Mexico, especially in regions that have long suffered from cartel-related violence.
In Guerrero state’s municipality of Coyuca de Benitez, an unidentified group launched an assault on a security patrol. The aftermath of this attack was devastating, with 13 people dead, 11 of whom were dedicated members of the municipal police force. According to reports, a senior state security official was also part of the convoy that was targeted, but there has been no confirmation about his fate after the attack.
Another attack unfolded in the neighboring state of Michoacan, a region already riddled with similar violent incidents. In this episode, the mayor of the town of Tacambaro’s brother was the primary target. The attack resulted in five fatalities, which included a civilian working at a restaurant, a police officer, and three other civilians. The mayor’s brother was wounded in the onslaught. A video posted on social media depicted the gunmen opening fire before making their escape in multiple vehicles.
The third attack that took place on the same day was in the central Mexican state of Puebla. In the rural community of San Miguel Canoa, roughly 75 miles from Mexico City, a gunfight broke out between alleged drug dealers. This violent clash led to the death of six people and left two others wounded.
Such incidents have become all too common in Mexico. Since the government’s decision to deploy the military in its war against drugs in 2006, the nation has witnessed the murder of more than 420,000 people. The current tally of officers killed in 2023 alone has surpassed 340, according to non-profit group Causa en Comun.
Both Guerrero and Michoacan states are notorious for the violent confrontations between rival drug traffickers and the security forces. This violence is not just restricted to the criminal factions. The impact ripples through the political landscape as well, especially during election times. As Mexico prepares for its presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled for next year, concerns about escalating violence become even more pressing.
Despite the renowned coastal resort of Acapulco being located in Guerrero, the state remains one of Mexico’s poorest. As a result, there’s a clear link between economic disparity and the growth of crime and violence in the region.
Since 2018, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been advocating a “hugs not bullets” strategy, aiming to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of education. However, many critics argue that this softer approach might be inadequate in combating the increasing levels of violence and organized crime.
