Shootout in Mexico's Southern State of Guerrero Leaves Two Police Officers, 14 Suspected Gang Members Dead

HOUSTON - The Mexican state of Guerrero has gone from a tranquil tourist destination to being one of the most dangerous in Mexico over the past few years.

Earlier this month, the city of Chilpancingo garnered national attention due to the assassination of city mayor Alejandro Arcos only a few days after being sworn in. This time around, Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) reported 16 new deaths after a shootout between law enforcement and criminal groups in Tecpan de Galeana.

Authorities detailed that during the early hours of October 22 a shooting was reported in the remote town of El Moreno, involving two criminal groups and local police members. As law enforcement was ambushed, they solicited backup from the Army and National Guard units that are stationed in El Ticui, located less than 20 miles from Tecpan de Galena.

SEDENA reported two local law enforcement officers were killed, while four others were injured during the clash. They were transported to Acapulco to receive medical care.

The agency also reported 14 casualties from aggressors. Guerrero's Attorney General's Office is now investigating the attack.

After the shootout authorities secured the arrest of 11 suspected cartel members, seized 16 vehicles as well as 15 large fire arms and multiple cartridges and clips.

The attack was linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), as images starting surfacing on social media of black vehicles with the organization's initials. Users on social media detailed that the vehicles were allegedly circling in a caravan around Tecpan de Galena, relatively close to the Army's 109th Infantry Regiment that supervises the area.

Police casualties

Earlier this month, Mexico's Federal Security Cabinet revealed that, between January and September of 2024, 1,249 murders had been reported in Guerrero, the sixth-most of any state.

Last year was no different, with the entity recording 1,890 murders. The situation has escalated to the point in which the U.S. State Department is now advising Americans to completely avoid Guerrero due to the high volume of crime and violence.

According to Causa en Común, an organization that keeps track of police casualties in Mexico, 2024 has been significantly bloody for local law enforcement. The organization has registered at least 240 police casualties so far this year, averaging one every day.

Guerrero is among the states with the highest number of police deaths in 2024. As of October 17, Causa en Común says that 16 Guerrero officers have died in the line of duty, with two more expected to be added after the October 24 clash.

Guanajuato is the state with the most violence against local law enforcement, registering 42 police deaths, followed by Estado de México (22), Chiapas (18) and Nuevo León (16).