Argentina: Violent crime continues to rise in Rosario /update 1

Event

Homicides and inter-gang violence continues to escalate in the city of Rosario (Santa Fe province) as of early June. According to Santa Fe officials, 93 murders were perpetrated in the city in the first five months of the year. In response to the rising violence, an additional 300 National Gendarmerie soldiers have been deployed to the city to patrol five neighborhoods. Nevertheless, continued incidents of gang-related violence are expected in Rosario in the coming months.

Context

An ongoing turf war between the Funes and Caminos drug gangs has been the cause of much of the violence. The conflict between the rival gangs has escalated since March 2016, following the murder of the mother of a prominent member of the Funes gang. Authorities have already deployed 2000 officers over the past two years in the city in an attempt to contain the violence.

Rosario is generally considered one of the most violent cities in Argentina.

Advice

Individuals in Rosario are advised to monitor developments to the situation, report any suspicious objects or behavior, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.