Mexico: Security incident reported in Celaya (Guanajato) on March 10

Event

On Tuesday, March 10, skirmishes between Mexican police and cartel members were reported in Celaya (Guanajato state) in which gunmen and police exchanged fire. Media sources report blocked roads with burning tires and vehicles. Rumors of a cartel leader's capture emerged, amid an ongoing investigation into fuel theft from national oil company Pemex's resources. The Sant Rosa de Lima cartel is suspected to be involved in the theft. Following the skirmishes, however, police denied having captured the leader.

A continued police presence is possible in Celaya in the coming hours and days. Similar confrontation between police and cartel members or gunmen cannot be ruled out.  

Advice

Individuals present in Guanajuato state are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Due to extreme levels of violence linked to the presence of various armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of Mexico: notably, the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas, as well as the northeastern border with the US.