Violence Plagues Mexico: Latest Shooting Leaves 7 Dead and 5 Wounded
Shootout in Villahermosa, Tabasco
A shooting at a bar in southeastern Mexico has left seven people dead and five wounded, authorities said Sunday. The latest attack in a series of similar incidents in the violence-plagued country has sparked a manhunt for the perpetrators.
The shooting occurred on Saturday night in the city of Villahermosa, in Tabasco state, at a clandestine bar that operated irregularly. According to local media, unidentified gunmen burst into the bar La Casita Azul and opened fire at customers, leaving bloodied bodies strewn on the floor.
Rise in Violent Crime in Tabasco
Tabasco, home to oil production facilities, has seen an increase in violent crime in recent months. In November, six people were killed and 10 wounded in another armed attack on a bar in Villahermosa. This latest shooting comes two weeks after an attack on a bar left 10 dead in the city of Queretaro, in a central region that until now had been spared from violence linked to organized crime.
Drug-Related Violence Worsens
Drug-related violence has seen more than 450,000 people killed in Mexico since the government deployed the army to combat trafficking in 2006, according to official figures. Tackling the murders and kidnappings that are a daily occurrence is among the major challenges facing President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Government’s Approach
The former Mexico City mayor, who became the country’s first woman president on October 1, has ruled out declaring "war" on drug cartels. Instead, she has pledged to continue her predecessor’s strategy of using social policy to tackle crime at its roots, while also making better use of intelligence.
Consequences
The latest shooting highlights the dire need for effective solutions to Mexico’s violence problem. The country’s citizens are left to wonder when the violence will end and if the government has a plan to restore safety and security.
FAQs
- Who is responsible for the shooting at the bar in Villahermosa?
The perpetrators of the shooting are still unknown and are the subject of an ongoing investigation. - What is the current state of violence in Mexico?
Violence in Mexico has been escalating in recent years, with over 450,000 people killed since 2006. - What is the government’s approach to tackling violence?
President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to continue her predecessor’s strategy of using social policy to tackle crime at its roots, while also making better use of intelligence.