Mexico: Cartel violence kills six in Guadalajara area May 29

Event

Members of the Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) cartel reportedly killed six people in the Zapopan area, adjacent to Guadalajara (Jalisco state), on Tuesday, May 29. The killings come after two of the cartel's leaders were arrested in recent days, and after Governor of Jalisco Aristóteles Sandoval stated on Sunday, May 27, that security had been reinforced in the state. Heightened security measures are expected in Jalisco state and across Mexico ahead of the July 1 general elections.

Context

Fierce turf wars between competing and increasingly fragmented cartels are on the rise in much of the country and violence in parts of Mexico is spiraling out of control as cartels adopt increasingly militarized tactics. Business owners and government figures are also targeted, and bystanders can be caught up in the crossfire. 2017 was the most violent year on record based on violent crime indicators.

The campaign period for the upcoming general elections officially began on March 30. On July 1, up to 88 million Mexicans will head to the polls to choose their next president and to fill various federal, state, and local government positions. With 3400 posts to be filled, it will be the largest election in Mexico's history. Four candidates are vying for the presidential office. The current favorite is Andres Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) of the leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA). The official campaign period will end on June 27.

Advice

Individuals present in Mexico, particularly in the Guadalajara area, are advised to remain vigilant, refrain from sharing personal information with unknown persons, not post information regarding your location and activities on social media platforms, and vary daily routines to limit the risk of being targeted by potential kidnappers. Keep in mind that criminals are often armed; in the event of a mugging or kidnapping, remain calm, do not offer any resistance, and obey all demands issued by your assailant(s).

Due to extreme levels of violence linked to the presence of various armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, notably the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas, as well as the northeastern border with the US.