Gunmen opened fire on a crowded soccer field in Salamanca, Mexico, on March 10, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuring 12 others. The attack occurred shortly after a local soccer match, underscoring the ongoing violence linked to drug cartels in the region despite government efforts to restore order.
Local officials reported that gunfire erupted while people were socializing after the game. This incident marks a particularly violent period for the city, which has a population of approximately 275,000. Just a day earlier, another shooting in Salamanca left five people dead, reflecting the escalating violence in the area.
Escalating Violence in Guanajuato
Guanajuato state has been identified as the site of the highest number of murders in Mexico, with a total of 2,035 intentional homicides recorded last year. Much of this violence stems from a fierce turf war between local cartels, particularly the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the most powerful criminal organization in the country, and another competing group.
Salamanca’s strategic location near the territorial boundary between these criminal factions makes it a focal point in their ongoing conflict. The city is also home to a significant oil refinery, which both cartels aim to control to facilitate their drug trafficking and fuel theft operations.
In a video address following the tragic event, Salamanca’s mayor, Cesar Prieto, expressed the city’s distress. He stated, “We are going through a dark moment, a serious breakdown of our social fabric. Sadly, criminal groups are trying to subdue the government, something they will never achieve.” His comments reflect the community’s growing concern over the increasing aggression from organized crime.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the shooting, focusing on whether the Jalisco New Generation Cartel or any other criminal group played a role in the attack. The state has seen a surge in violence, particularly as rival gangs vie for control over lucrative territories.
The recent attacks highlight a troubling trend in Mexico, where violence linked to organized crime continues to escalate despite government interventions. Many residents are left feeling unsafe, uncertain of when or where violence may erupt next.
As the investigation unfolds, local officials are urging the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to help combat the ongoing crisis. The government’s challenge remains significant as it seeks to restore stability in a region plagued by violence.
