Mexico: Armed assailants wound six in Guerrero January 23

Event

Unidentified armed assailants shot and wounded six people at a restaurant in Cuajinicuilapa (Guerrero state), in the Costa Chica region, on Wednesday, January 23. Similar attacks are possible in the region over the near term.

Context

Fierce turf wars between competing and increasingly fragmented drug cartels are on the rise in parts of Mexico and cartels are progressively adopting militarized tactics. Business owners, journalists, politicians and candidates, as well as social leaders are also targeted, and bystanders can be caught up in the crossfire.

Advice

Individuals present in Guerrero state are advised to remain vigilant for criminal activity and report all suspicious objects and behavior to the authorities. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; maintained a heightened sense of awareness when traveling and do not resist if confronted by attackers.