Mexican Mayor Assassinated Amidst Cartel Violence in Michoacan
In a grim turn of events, Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, a major Mexican city, was assassinated on Saturday. The fatal shooting occurred during an official event in the western state of Michoacan, a region grappling with rampant gang violence, as reported by authorities.
Details of the Attack
The attack took place in Uruapan, a city home to approximately 350,000 residents. Uruapan is a key agricultural area renowned for its avocado production, a significant export to the United States, along with other fruits like lemons. According to the Mexican Secretariat of Public Security, the attack occurred in downtown Uruapan, resulting in the mayor’s death. Authorities have reported the detention of two individuals involved, with one of the attackers also killed.
The Context of Violence
Michoacan has been ensnared in a cycle of violence for years, primarily due to criminal groups extorting farmers for money. Notorious groups operating in the area include the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Nueva Familia Michoacana gang, both of which the United States has designated as foreign terrorist organizations. The assassination of Carlos Manzo comes just days after the killing of Bernardo Bravo, a prominent lemon producer in Michoacan.
The events highlight the ongoing struggle against organized crime and the challenges faced by local authorities in maintaining security and order.
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