Mexico: 26 people assassinated in Guanajuato state July 26-27

Event

In a span of 36 hours on July 26 and 27, at least 26 homicides were recorded in Guanajuato state. Eight people were killed in Irapuato, while other murders were reported in Valle de Santiago, Salamanca, Yuriria, Tarimoro, Apaseo el Grande, and Purísima del Rincón. In addition to the 26 fatalities, five people were wounded in the spate of attacks. It is currently unclear whether any of the murders were related. Each incident is now under investigation.

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, journalists, politicians and candidates, and social leaders are also targeted, and bystanders can be caught up in the crossfire. Mexico's nationwide homicide rate for the first half of 2018 represents a 16.1 percent increase on 2017, which was previously the most violent year on record based on violent crime indicators.

Advice

Individuals present in Mexico are advised to remain vigilant. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye.