Gunmen opened fire on a crowded soccer field in Salamanca, Mexico, on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuring 12 others. The attack occurred shortly after a local soccer match, as spectators were socializing. This incident underscores the ongoing violence fueled by criminal cartels in the region, despite government efforts to combat such acts.
The shooting took place in Guanajuato, a state that has witnessed a surge in violent crime linked to turf wars among rival drug cartels. Local officials reported that another violent incident in Salamanca just one day earlier left five people dead. Authorities also recently disarmed an explosive device at a state-owned oil facility in the area, indicating the escalating tensions.
In a video address following the shooting, Cesar Prieto, the mayor of Salamanca, described the current situation as a “dark moment” for the community. He expressed concern about the breakdown of social order and emphasized that criminal groups are attempting to undermine government authority, stating, “Sadly, criminal groups are trying to subdue the government, something they will never achieve.”
Guanajuato recorded the highest number of murders in Mexico last year, with 2,035 intentional homicides. Much of this violence is attributed to a power struggle between local cartels and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which is considered the most formidable criminal organization in the country. Salamanca’s location is significant, as it lies near the border of territories controlled by these competing groups and is home to a crucial oil refinery. Both cartels are vying for control over Salamanca to enhance their drug-trafficking and fuel-theft operations.
Local authorities are currently investigating the shooting to determine if any cartel was involved in the attack. The violence in Salamanca highlights the larger challenges facing Mexico as it grapples with the pervasive influence of organized crime and the impact on local communities. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing concerns for public safety and security in the region.
