On October 24, 2023, a sequence of armed disputes took place in multiple regions of Mexico, leaving 24 dead. A noticeable portion of the casualties were police officers, deepening worries about safety in parts of Mexico often affected by drug cartel operations.
In Coyuca de Benitez, located in Guerrero state, an unidentified group attacked a security patrol. The aftermath showed 13 dead, with 11 being local police officers. A notable state security official was part of the targeted group, but his status after the attack is not yet clear.
Another event occurred in Michoacan, the neighboring state. The brother of Tacambaro’s mayor became the focus of an aggressive assault. This episode led to the deaths of five individuals, encompassing a restaurant staff member, a policeman, and three other people. The mayor’s brother was also injured in the attack. The incident was captured by witnesses, and the footage, showcasing the culprits shooting and then fleeing in vehicles, later appeared online.
In the Puebla state, about 75 miles from Mexico City, another confrontation took place in the community of San Miguel Canoa. This conflict, believed to be between alleged drug traders, caused six deaths and left two injured.
Such incidents are becoming increasingly common in Mexico. Since the government’s 2006 decision to use military forces in the fight against drugs, Mexico has witnessed the deaths of over 420,000 people. As reported by the non-profit organization Causa en Comun, more than 340 police officers have been killed this year.
Guerrero and Michoacan states have seen consistent violent encounters between security personnel and drug traffickers. These conflicts often spill over into the political arena, especially around election periods. With national elections approaching next year, this rising tide of violence is a major point of concern.
While Guerrero is known for the resort town of Acapulco, it’s also one of the most financially challenged states in Mexico. This economic hardship seems to be linked to the growing crime and violence rates.
Since becoming president in 2018, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been advocating for a “hugs not bullets” policy, aiming to address the root causes of crime, such as economic challenges and inadequate education. But many question whether this approach is sufficient to decrease the prevalent violence and crime.
