Guadalajara, 13 July, 2023 (GNP): A devastating explosives attack on a police patrol in Tlajomulco de Zuniga, a suburb of Guadalajara, has resulted in the loss of six lives and left 14 individuals wounded, according to authorities. The region, known for its history of drug cartel-related violence, was shaken by the brutal act of terror on Tuesday night. The attack involved seven improvised explosive devices that targeted both police personnel and staff from the state prosecutor’s office.
Enrique Alfaro, the governor of the western state of Jalisco, condemned the attack as an act of brutal terror and expressed his concern about the capabilities of organized crime groups operating in the area. The region is home to the notorious Jalisco New Generation cartel, recognized as one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations.
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While firearms have been the weapon of choice for cartel members, recent incidents involving explosives highlight a growing trend of employing more radical tactics to intimidate security forces and the civilian population.
Security consultant David Saucedo said that such acts are designed to reduce the firepower of rival cartels and security forces while instilling terror among the populace, resembling a form of “narcoterrorism.”
The governor’s office is currently investigating the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged anonymous phone call and tipoff that led the police patrol into the trap. The governor urged caution in accepting all versions of events, as conflicting information has emerged from various sources.
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In a region where numerous civil society organizations are actively searching for missing relatives, the risks associated with such investigations have become increasingly evident. More than 110,000 people are listed as disappeared in Mexico, with the state of Jalisco alone accounting for around 15,000 missing persons since 1962.
Since taking office in 2018, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s administration continues to prioritize addressing violence and crime by adopting a “hugs not bullets” strategy that aim to tackle violent crime at its roots by fighting poverty and inequality with social programs, rather than with the army. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens while combating criminal organizations.
Authorities are collaborating with security experts, conducting thorough investigations, and coordinating efforts to prevent further incidents and bring those responsible for this horrendous attack to justice.