Gunmen opened fire on a crowded soccer field in Salamanca, Mexico, on March 3, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and leaving 12 others injured. The attack occurred as people were socializing after a local soccer match, underscoring the ongoing violence linked to drug cartels in the region. This incident follows another violent event in Salamanca just a day earlier, where five people lost their lives.
Local officials confirmed that the shooting took place in a city with a population of approximately 275,000, located in the central state of Guanajuato. This region has been particularly affected by cartel-related violence, with the highest number of murders in Mexico last year, totaling 2,035 intentional homicides.
Cartel Violence and Territorial Disputes
Guanajuato has become a battleground for power struggles between rival drug cartels, particularly a local group and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most dominant criminal organizations. Salamanca’s geographic position near the border of territories controlled by these groups makes it a significant area for their operations. Both cartels seek to exert control over the city to facilitate their drug trafficking and fuel theft activities.
In the wake of the shooting, Salamanca’s mayor, Cesar Prieto, addressed the community in a video statement. He expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, stating, “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.”
Local law enforcement is currently investigating the shooting, exploring potential links to the ongoing cartel conflict in the area. Just one week prior to this tragic incident, authorities had to disarm an explosive device found at a state-owned oil facility in Salamanca, further highlighting the region’s volatile situation.
As the investigation continues, the Mexican government faces mounting pressure to address the rampant violence that has plagued numerous communities across the country. The tragic events in Salamanca serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in restoring safety and order in areas affected by organized crime.