Four Mexican mayors request protection after colleague’s beheading

Supporters of slain Mayor Alejandro Arcos be his ceremonial Mass 1 week aft helium took office, successful Chilpancingo, Mexico. (AP)

Ahead of Mexico’s June elections, unit successful Guanajuato has escalated significantly, with astatine slightest 4 mayoral candidates murdered. Garcia Harfuch did not specify the reasons for the mayors’ extortion requests but acknowledged the rising dangers they face.

Arcos had reportedly voiced concerns astir his information to section media, yet Garcia Harfuch noted that nary ceremonial petition for extortion had been submitted earlier the killing.

State and national authorities tin supply mayors with bulletproof vehicles, further bodyguards, and exigency alert systems if necessary. Chilpancingo, Guerrero’s authorities capital, has go a battleground for 2 rival cause cartels, the Ardillos and the Tlacos, arsenic reported by AP.

In 2023, 1 of these groups staged a ample demonstration, hijacking a authorities armoured vehicle, blocking a large highway, and taking constabulary officers hostage to request the merchandise of captured pack members.

Criminal gangs successful Mexico often people mayors to extort payments, prehend power of authorities contracts, oregon spot their affiliates wrong section constabulary forces.

(with inputs from AP)