Acapulco, Guerrero – The brief tranquility in Acapulco has been shattered after a 72-hour peace pact between criminal groups lapsed, plunging the famous tourist center back into violence. Just three days after the agreement expired, a new murder occurred outside the Estrella de Oro bus station on Cuauhtémoc Avenue.
The victim, an unidentified man, was returning home from the state Attorney General’s Office on a motorcycle when he was ambushed by two assailants in a car. Witnesses reported that one of the attackers shot the victim at point-blank range, killing him instantly. One of the perpetrators attempted to escape through the busy bus station but was apprehended by state police.
This incident on July 10 adds to the grim tally of 34 intentional homicides recorded in Acapulco this month alone. The wave of violence has alarmed local authorities and residents, highlighting the fragile peace in the region.
Escalating Violence Amid Peace Pact Breakdown
The recent surge in violence follows the arrest of 16 men allegedly linked to the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) just before the peace pact. Among the detainees were four hitmen suspected of involvement in the brutal massacre of 12 individuals, whose dismembered bodies were found in various locations across Acapulco on July 7.
Data from the National Public Security System reveal that the first half of 2024 has been the most violent in six years for Acapulco. The state prosecutor’s office has initiated 319 investigation files for intentional homicides, marking a 43% increase compared to 223 files in the same period in 2023. Additionally, authorities have discovered at least 37 dismembered or skinned bodies between January and June of this year.
Cartel Rivalries Fueling the Bloodshed
The escalating violence is largely attributed to territorial disputes between the CJNG and another criminal group associated with “Los Rusos,” along with various factions vying for control over illicit activities such as drug trafficking and extortion. This ongoing conflict has manifested in the appearance of multiple narco-banners, warning of further clashes among rival organizations.
Local Authorities Struggle to Cope
Acapulco’s Mayor, Abelina López Rodríguez, has acknowledged the dire situation. “Everyone must assume what they are responsible for,” she stated, reflecting on the perceived impotence of local authorities in combating organized crime. The mayor emphasized that while the municipality is present, it lacks the power to investigate and pursue crimes, a responsibility that falls beyond local jurisdiction.
The persistent violence underscores the urgent need for more effective strategies and closer cooperation between different levels of government to address the security crisis in Acapulco. Without coordinated efforts, the cycle of violence threatens to continue, further destabilizing the region and endangering its residents.