This Monday, armed civilians They attacked elements of the Guardia Nacional (GN) and of Army in Tamaulipas y Zacatecas.
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This was announced by the Federal Security Cabinet in its report of “relevant actions” of the November 18; In the document it indicates that in Tamaulipas:
“Elements of the Mexican Army were attacked with firearms in Reynosa (…) one of the attackers was injured.”
In that event, a long gun and an explosive device were seized; while regarding Zacatecas:
“In the municipality of Genaro Codina, elements of the GN were attacked by individuals with firearms; At the scene, 4 vehicles were seized.”
On the other hand, the cabinet, composed of the secretariats of Defense, Navy, Security y National guard, also reported the following actions:
- CDMX. Next to the Security Secretariat A person was arrested allegedly related to an assault with a firearm in the mayor’s office Gustavo A. Madero.
- Warrior. Marine y State Police They arrested a person who was allegedly part of a criminal organization, and apparent drugs such as: crystal and marijuana.
- Jalisco. Elements of the Defense They seized 2 long weapons, 978 cartridges, 3 devices explosives improvised weapons, a ballistic vest and various doses of drugs *at an observation point used by members of organized crime in Quitupan.
- Nuevo Leon. In 2 actions, the state police arrested 5 people generating violence in Guadalupe; 2 firearms, a ballistic vest and various doses of drugs were seized.
- Sonora. In Cajeme, Federal Security and the State and Navy Police detained 7 people and seized a long gun, cartridges, 4,000 doses of apparent methamphetamine, marijuana, glass, a tactical helmet and bib.
- Sinaloa. In Culiacan, the Defense He located 5 abandoned vehicles, 3 of them with handmade armor and one of them with factory armor.
And they seized: 30 long weapons, 2 rifles, a machine gun, 55 magazines, 10,252 cartridges, 3 grenades, a mount with a container for a machine gun, 32 improvised explosive devices, as well as several doses of drugs and various equipment. - Tlaxcala. The National guard They detained 3 people in Calpulalpan, from whom a long gun and 57 cartridges were seized.
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How can the Mexican government improve its response to organized crime and violence?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Security Expert on Recent Civilian Attacks in Mexico
Editor: Good afternoon and welcome to Time.news. Today we have a special guest, Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a security analyst with extensive knowledge of the issues surrounding organized crime and security in Mexico. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gonzalez.
Dr. Gonzalez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. Just this Monday, we saw alarming reports of armed civilians attacking the National Guard and Army in Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. What are your thoughts on these incidents?
Dr. Gonzalez: These attacks are deeply concerning and highlight the ongoing security crisis in Mexico. They demonstrate not only the audacity of organized crime but also the complex relationship between civilian populations and security forces. Both Tamaulipas and Zacatecas have been battlegrounds for competing criminal organizations, and these types of confrontations are unfortunately becoming more common.
Editor: The reports indicated that in Tamaulipas, the Mexican Army was attacked in Reynosa, where one attacker was injured and weapons including a long gun and explosive device were seized. What does this say about the level of armament being used by these civilian attackers?
Dr. Gonzalez: The level of armament is alarming. The presence of long guns and explosive devices suggests that these groups are heavily armed and potentially well-funded. This raises questions about the sources of their weapons and funding, and it emphasizes the need for more robust measures to disarm criminal organizations. It also indicates a shift in tactics, where armed civilians might feel emboldened to confront military forces directly.
Editor: Switching to Zacatecas, where the National Guard was ambushed by armed individuals, what does this reflect about the strategic situations in these regions?
Dr. Gonzalez: Zacatecas has been a focal point of violence as various criminal groups vie for control over drug trafficking routes. The ambush of the National Guard signifies a blatant challenge to government authority and control. It reflects the growing boldness of these groups, and the use of ambush tactics implies they are learning from past encounters with law enforcement, adapting their strategies accordingly.
Editor: In addition to these attacks, the Federal Security Cabinet reported actions elsewhere, such as arrests related to drug offenses in Guerrero and a firearm assault in Mexico City. How do these incidents connect to the broader security landscape in Mexico?
Dr. Gonzalez: These incidents illustrate the pervasive nature of violence and crime across the country. The fact that similar events are happening simultaneously in different states suggests that issues of organized crime, drug trafficking, and violence are not localized problems but part of a national crisis. It highlights the necessity for a coordinated national approach to security that addresses both immediate threats and the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to this violence.
Editor: Given this troubling context, what steps should the Mexican government take to address these escalating confrontations and improve national security?
Dr. Gonzalez: The government must prioritize strengthening law enforcement capabilities and improving intelligence-sharing among various security agencies. Additionally, community engagement is vital. Fostering trust between the population and security forces can render crucial support in combating crime. Addressing root causes like poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities is essential for long-term stability. Lastly, more comprehensive policies for drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation programs could disrupt the cycle of crime.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that the challenges Mexico faces are multi-faceted and require a concerted effort from many sectors. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Gonzalez: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to discuss these issues and raise awareness about the complexities of the situation in Mexico.