10 Dead in Deadly Gun Battle in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Including 2 Police Officers and 2 Civilians

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A deadly gun battle broke out in the city of Cuernavaca, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals, including two police officers and two civilians. The incident occurred when a group of armed civilians engaged in a fierce confrontation with the police.

According to authorities, the gunmen, who were heavily armed with rifles, ballistic vests, and radios, targeted police officers in various parts of Cuernavaca. The city, located 50 miles south of Mexico City, has long been known as a hub for criminal organizations.

The Associated Press reported that the gun battle began after a convoy of gunmen opened fire on people who were drinking on the street. The gunmen then attempted to abduct an individual, prompting the police to engage them in a gunfight.

Cuernavaca, the capital of Morelos State, is situated near the Tepozteco Mountains. However, criminal organizations have been vying for control of the city, leading to its designation as Mexico’s most dangerous city in the past.

Additional details of the vicious gun battle have emerged. According to Mexican newspaper La Jornada, the Secretariat of Citizen Protection and Assistance (SERPAC) forces faced the armed gunmen without seeking support from the State Security Commission (CES) of Cuernavaca. They also did not request assistance from the Mexican National Guard and the Mexican Army, despite the shooting occurring near the offices of the State Attorney General and the 24th Military Regiment.

Cuernavaca Mayor José Luis Urióstegui Salgado stated that the police responded to a call for help and were immediately met with gunshots upon arrival at the scene. The incident originated in an area where people were consuming alcoholic beverages, leading to a shootout and subsequent police chase. During the exchange, two officers lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries. Six of the armed assailants were reportedly killed.

Reports indicate that the armed attackers arrived in a convoy consisting of two trucks and a motorcycle, armed with high-powered rifles. Unfortunately, two additional civilians were caught in the crossfire and lost their lives. The fallen police officers have been identified as Francisco Calderón and Juan Carlos Salgado.

Following the deadly gun battle, Alicia Vazquez Luna, the city’s Secretary of Citizen Protection and Assistance, called for Mayor Uriostegui’s resignation. Luna accused the administration of sending her colleagues to the streets without weapons. In response, Uriostegui defended the lack of communication with other agencies, stating that the incident unfolded rapidly and concluded within 20 minutes, making it unlikely that backup could have arrived in time. However, he acknowledged that some police officers were unarmed during the shootout.

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the Mexican authorities in their fight against organized crime. The city of Cuernavaca, in particular, remains a hotbed for criminal activity. As investigations into the gun battle continue, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to reassess their strategies and ensure the safety of both officers and civilians.

The article is owned by Latin Post and written by Rick Martin.

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