Mexico: Fire during clashes over alleged land dispute kills six in Tonalá (Jalisco state) October 9

Event

Six bodies have been recovered after a fire broke out during armed clashes at a farm in the municipality of Tonalá (Jalisco state) on Friday morning, October 9. Two others were injured in the incident. Assailants are reported to have attacked a farm in the Santa Paula neighborhood using assault rifles and grenades over a dispute regarding land trafficking. During the attack a gas tank exploded, causing a large fire. Police cordoned off the area following the attack and have launched an investigation into the incident. Weapons and a large amount of cash were reportedly located inside the farm.

A heightened security presence is expected in the vicinity of the incident over the immediate term.

Advice

Those present in Jalisco state are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Keep in mind that criminals in Mexico 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, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas, as well as the northeastern border with the US.