Gunmen opened fire on a crowded soccer field in Salamanca, Mexico, on March 10, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuring 12 others. The incident occurred shortly after a local match, drawing attention to the ongoing violence linked to drug cartels in the region. Local officials confirmed that the gunfire struck people who were socializing after the game, marking a tragic escalation in violence within the central state of Guanajuato.
This incident follows another violent episode just a day earlier, where five people were killed in Salamanca. The city, with a population of approximately 275,000, has become a hotspot for cartel-related violence, primarily due to ongoing conflicts between rival criminal organizations. The area has been particularly affected by a turf war between local cartels and the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which is known for its extensive influence across Mexico.
In a video address following the shooting, Salamanca’s mayor, Cesar Prieto, stated, “We are going through a dark moment, a serious breakdown of our social fabric. Sadly, criminal groups are trying to subdue the government, something they will never achieve.” His remarks highlight the stark reality faced by local authorities as they navigate the challenges posed by organized crime.
Guanajuato recorded the highest number of murders in Mexico last year, with 2,035 intentional homicides. The violence is attributed to the fierce competition between cartels for control over lucrative drug-trafficking routes and fuel theft operations. Salamanca’s strategic location, near a border that delineates territories controlled by rival gangs, makes it a focal point in this ongoing conflict. The city is also home to significant infrastructure, including an important oil refinery, further intensifying the stakes involved.
Local officials have initiated investigations into the shooting, focusing on whether it is connected to the activities of either cartel involved in the turf war. The government has faced criticism for its inability to curb the escalating violence, which has adversely affected the lives of ordinary citizens.
As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, raising urgent questions about safety and the effectiveness of government measures against organized crime. Authorities are under increasing pressure to restore order and reassure residents in a city that has seen too much violence in recent years.
