The Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) claimed responsibility for a large explosion at a public events in the city of Zacatecas during the weekend, which resulted in 20 people being injured and police cars damaged. It was reportedly a message to the state governor, accused by the cartel of allowing the entry of a Sinaloa Cartel faction into the territory.
The explosion took place at the Zacatecas national fair, where about 25,000 people were listening to a concert. Attendants recall the explosion a smoke rising from the stands. The event initially didn't stop, but singer Julión Álvarez addressed it shortly after.
"Did you hear? Law enforcement, the military and all those taking care of security are looking at the issue. It seems like it was a gas tank in a food stand or a home. Stand by, we'll check and continue," he said.
Despite authorities claiming the explosion was a result of a gas tank explosion, local outlet Dominio Público reported of an image where the cartel claims responsibility for it, saying it was a message to the governor."
"It was a wake up call to governor David who sold the state to those Mayos. Authorities, don't meddle in a war that is not yours. Zacatecas belongs to the four letters," the message adds, in reference to CJNG, the cartel's acronym.
Authorities from states neighboring Sinaloa have been warning about the chance of the turf wars between factions of the eponymous cartel spilling over. Other regions, including Sonora, Baja California, Chihuahua, and Durango have seen violent episodes linked to this.
The struggle between Los Chapitos, led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, and the "Mayiza," loyal to arrested drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, has unsettled more communities across the region, leaving residents fearful of further confrontations and leading to a sharp rise in homicides and other criminal activities. About 70 people have died since September 9, when the war between the sides formally began. The CJNG's message seems to make referenze to the Mayiza, loyal to El Mayo, captured in late July and imprisoned in the U.S.
Fears are mounting that the violence could escalate further, and authorities are attempting to respond; in Sonora, the detention of 20 alleged members of Los Chapitos' armed wing suggest a direct connection between the rising violence and cartel activities.
The federal government sent 600 additional troops to the area in an attempt to mitigate violence, but the general population is struggling to maintain daily life. In Culiacán, a recent military operation resulted in the death of a local lawyer, who was mistakenly identified as an armed suspect. The incident has further fueled public outrage, with residents expressing frustration over the growing instability.
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