"This worsening security situation already has caused problems for expatriates in Mexico in 2013" - Stratfor Global Intelligence, March 7, 2013
*Updated Apr. 9*
Guadalajara -
Four persons were killed late Easter Sunday evening and 16 others were injured in separate attacks against two drinking establishments in this capital city of Jalisco. A fifth died hours later. She was identified as a 23 year old waitress in one of the bars
The related attacks occurred about 10:30 p.m. as thousands of tapatios, as locals are known, were returning home after Holy Week vacations to Puerto Vallarta and other parts of the nation.
Mexico's Milenio news network originally reported that both bars were in suburban Zapopan, a hot zone for almost daily acts of drug war and organized crime violence.. But it later said they were within the city limits of Guadalajara.
The assaults against the establishments Sunday night occurred within minutes of each other. In each case a commando team arrived in at least two vehicles and strafed bar patrons and employees with .9 mm weapons fire. A hand grenade or explosive device which may have been homemade was used in one of the attacks and was detonated. Dozens of shell casings were found at the scenes.
Guadalajara's mayor said authorities have important clues, and have located two vehicles used in the attacks. He promised that federal, state and local agencies would participate in the investigation. But he said local security forces must be particularly alert "to avoid incidents of this type in the future."
A foreigner was among the victims, police said. Milenio later reported he was Jeff Lydell Comer, 45.
The attacks occurred just hours after a federal agency released statistics showing that Jalisco is now in fourth place in homicides in this country. On Feb. 4 the Jalisco prosecutor said competing cartels and crime gangs are "heating up the plaza" in this state as they struggle for control of the drug trade and collateral criminal enterprises.
On Mar. 9 the Jalisco tourism secretary, who had held office less than two weeks, was assassinated in one of the best areas of Zapopan. Secretary of Tourism assassinated in Guadalajara. In February a U.S. citizen was found shot to death in his newly built Zapopan residence, in a case which appears to be common crime. American death reported in Guadalajara suburb. No one has been arrested.
Numerous Jalisco policemen also have been murdered by organized crime in recent months.
Feb. 11 - Another Jalisco police officer executed near Manzanillo
Jan. 30 - All the familiar weapons used in assassination of Jalisco police chief
Jan. 8 - More attacks on Jalisco police; state homicides increase
Nov. 30 - Commando squad attacks Guadalajara suburban police unit, leaving two officers dead
Oct. 18 - Guadalajara area police commander in grave condition after organized crime hit
Apr. 3 - A 31 year old waiter gravely wounded in the attacks died yesterday, as did a customer this afternoon, also 31. Those deaths raised the toll to seven. Both bars have been shuttered indefinitely.
Apr. 5 - An eighth victim died today. The owner of the two bars was widely quoted in the local press this week, emphasizing that he has never received threats or warnings of brewing trouble, and has no idea why his establishments were targeted. But now law enforcement sources are acknowledging that this is yet another case of failure to pay the "rent," or derecho de piso as it's called. Those who don't pay get a reminder notice.
May 14 - Drug cartels behind three recent Guadalajara attacks
Sept. 24 - Jalisco prosecutor announces arrest of suspects in bar attacks which killed American
Forensic investigators working the interior of one of the bars
The Mexican victims were 22 to 49, and included three employees and three customers. Police said that there is no doubt the attacks were connected, but have not offered a motive. No one is in custody and no suspects have been named. The bars are reportedly owned and operated by the same person.
Federal troops secured the area after the attacks
Drug cartel and organized crime attacks on bars are common in Mexico's drug war. Law enforcement authorities and the Spanish press invariably call them "adjustments of account" between rival groups seeking to dominate the lucrative drug trade. Mexican traffickers find assistance in American mules.
Mar. 14 - Machine gun attack on Cancún tavern leaves seven dead
Apr. 21, 2012 - Fifteen die in attack on Chihuahua bar
Both bars are within Guadalajara proper, where security is presumably superior to Zapopan's. But that made no difference Sunday night.
Apr. 9 - Mexico's Secretary of Government, Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong, is the single most powerful appointee in the government of president Enrique Peña Nieto. While in Guadalajara today he said that the administration is well aware of what is happening in Jalisco, and has a plan to deal with the rising violence in the city and throughout the state. Osorio Chong said that Jalisco would not be left to its own devices, and promised more federal funds and resources. But he gave no clue as to the plan
Jalisco violence
Apr. 2 - Mexico's March drug war tally was 1,025 dead, with Jalisco state in fourth place nationwide
Oct. 14 - Bus driver executions surge in Guadalajara, but why?
Oct. 11 - Jalisco homicides remain unabated in September
Sept. 6 - Six murders in 12 hours alarm Guadalajara metro and suburbs
Mar. 7 - U.S. security consultant Stratfor urges tourist caution throughout Mexico
Mar. 1 - 100 police officers and soldiers killed in PRI's first 90 days
Jun. 22, 2012 - Dire prognosis for Mexico's next government, with violence threatening Guadalajara
© MGRR 2013. All rights reserved. This article may be cited or briefly quoted with proper attribution or a hyperlink, but not reproduced without permission.
His name was Jeff Comer
ReplyDelete