Mexico football field shooting in Salamanca exposes persistent cartel violence

Key Concepts

• Turf War: Violent conflict between criminal groups vying for control of territory and illicit activities.
• Cartel Violence: Acts of violence perpetrated by drug cartels, including mass shootings, murders, and intimidation.
• Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG): One of Mexico’s most powerful and expanding drug cartels.
• Guanajuato State: A central Mexican state experiencing high levels of violence due to cartel activity.
• Security Strategy (President Sheinbaum): The current Mexican president’s approach to combating drug cartels.
• Fuel Theft Operations: Illegal siphoning of fuel, often controlled by cartels as a source of revenue.

Salamanca Shooting and Escalating Violence in Guanajuato

The city of Salamanca, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, was the site of a mass shooting following a football match, resulting in 11 deaths and 12 injuries, including a woman and a child. The incident occurred on a soccer field, evidenced by blood stains, abandoned clothing, and bullet holes. A witness recounted a frantic phone call from their son, detailing the attack and expressing fear for his and his family’s safety: “Mom, they're attacking people here. There are several dead. Send the police. We're taking shelter. We're scared. My girlfriend is here. Phipe is here. His son is here, too. They almost got caught up in it, and I had a nervous breakdown.” This highlights the immediate and personal impact of the escalating violence.

The Root of the Conflict: Cartel Turf War

The attack is directly linked to a violent “turf war” between a local criminal group and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Salamanca, and the broader state of Guanajuato, have become central battlegrounds for these groups as they compete for control of key drug trafficking routes and “fuel theft operations.” Guanajuato recorded the highest number of murders in Mexico last year, demonstrating the severity of the situation. The mayor of Salamanca has urgently requested federal support, stating, “Unfortunately, criminal groups are trying to subjugate the authorities, which they will not achieve. I call on the president of the republic, Dr. Claudia Shinbalm, and the governor to support us in restoring the peace, tranquility, and security that the people of Salamanca deserve.” This plea underscores the local government’s inability to independently address the escalating violence.

National Security Strategy and Recent Trends

The shooting presents a challenge to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s security strategy, which has been under scrutiny, particularly from the United States, regarding efforts to curb drug flow. President Sheinbaum defended her strategy, emphasizing close collaboration with local authorities to identify and apprehend those responsible. The government reports a nationwide decrease in homicides of over 20% compared to the previous year. However, this progress is unevenly distributed. While security forces have achieved some success against the Sinaloa Cartel in western Mexico, the CJNG has simultaneously expanded its influence in other regions, including Guanajuato.

Persistence of Violence Despite Government Action

The Salamanca attack serves as a stark reminder that, despite government initiatives, cartel violence remains pervasive throughout many parts of Mexico. As Alexandra Pieti, reporting for Al Jazeera, concluded, the incident demonstrates the continued challenges in achieving lasting peace and security. The report highlights the complex dynamics of cartel activity and the difficulties in containing their influence, even with focused government intervention.