Zacatecas Is At War! The CJNG Unleashes An Intense Shootout Against Rival Cartels Over Control Of The Territory

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

In Zacatecas, residents were forced to take cover this morning following armed clashes that included an attack on the municipal police headquarters. Omar Hernández, our correspondent, has all the details. Go ahead. 

Thank you, Arturo. Good evening. Indeed, today has been a day of anxiety and distress for the residents of this town—which borders the state of Jalisco—as it remains a contested battleground between rival factions. 

Evidently, on one side stands the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and on the other, rival groups vying for control of this strategically vital zone, which serves as a gateway to the country's interior. 

In this region, convoys of armed criminals began circulating last night—Thursday—and continued throughout the early hours of the morning; at various times, gunfire erupted across several points within this jurisdiction, prompting residents to remain indoors throughout the morning. 

Several vehicles were found abandoned, riddled with bullet holes. During the skirmish, the police headquarters building sustained severe damage. Two patrol cars parked outside the headquarters were also heavily riddled with bullets fired from high-caliber weapons. 

One individual died during these attacks—presumably one of the perpetrators involved in carrying out the shootings. The state government confirmed that a special security operation has been implemented; it also acknowledged that in this region, the municipal police forces in at least five municipalities bordering Jalisco are currently understaffed and vulnerable. 

Consequently, over the coming days, a special joint operation involving the National Guard, the Army, and various police agencies will be deployed. Thus, it marks yet another day of violence preventing residents from carrying out their daily activities—even as the government asserts that the situation is now under control.

Sources: El Heraldo de México,  Borderland Beat Archives