Violence Plagues Acapulco: Ten Bodies Found, Turf Battles Between Cartels Continue

Acclaimed for its luxurious appeal in the past, Acapulco, a once-glamorous resort city in Mexico, has been grappling with a surge in violence associated with cartels. Local security officials have reported the discovery of ten bodies scattered across the city. The victims, comprising two women and four men, were found near a market on Monday night, as per the public security office. Reports suggest that the bodies were discarded from a moving vehicle, adding a gruesome dimension to the development.

Shooting Incidents

In a separate incident, a shooting in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood resulted in the deaths of three men, while three others sustained injuries. Additionally, authorities uncovered the lifeless body of another man in the tourist zone of Acapulco.

Acapulco, which was once a favored destination for affluent individuals and celebrities, has witnessed a decline in its allure over the past decade. The city has been adversely impacted by ongoing violence, deterring foreign tourists and earning it the reputation of being one of the world's most violent cities. Furthermore, the aftermath of the Category 5 Hurricane Otis in October has left a lasting impact on the city, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The calamity resulted in a significant toll, claiming the lives of at least 52 individuals and causing extensive damage to numerous hotels in the area, exacerbating the city's woes.

Security Concerns and Advisories

Acapulco is situated in the state of Guerrero, which has been disproportionately affected by drug-related activities. The U.S. State Department has advised Americans to completely avoid six states in Mexico, including Guerrero, citing pervasive crime and violence prevalent in these regions. Notably, disputes between rival cartels in Guerrero led to a staggering 1,890 homicides in the state in 2023, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Escalating Tensions

The conflict between cartels has plagued Acapulco for well over a decade, as evidenced by a continual surge in violent altercations. Gangs are embroiled in fierce battles, vying for control of drug distribution channels and extorting protection payments from various businesses, bars, and transportation services.

The city has been marred by a string of violent episodes in the recent past, reinforcing the precarious security situation. The head of traffic police was tragically killed in an attack by assailants, while the bodies of two individuals were discovered on Condesa beach, bearing signs of torture. In light of these distressing events, the state government deployed 60 armed detectives to patrol the beaches, seeking to address the escalating violence. Additionally, several fatal shootings transpired on the beaches, including an incident where assailants arrived and fled by boat.

Political Turmoil

Mexico has been beleaguered by a surge in political violence leading up to the upcoming elections scheduled for June 2. According to the NGO Data Civica, over two dozen politicians have been assassinated since September of the preceding year. This distressing trend includes the recent killing of a mayoral candidate, who was fatally shot at the commencement of her campaign, underscoring the pervasive nature of the violence afflicting the country.