MEXICO CITY — 4 mayors in Mexico have requested federal authorities for cover after a colleague was beheaded final week within the southern state of Guerrero, officers mentioned Tuesday.
Mayor Alejandro Arcos had been sworn into workplace lower than per week earlier than.
Federal Public Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch mentioned 4 mayors requested safety on Monday, a day after Arcos’ stays have been discovered. The requests got here from Guerrero and one other violence-plagued state, Guanajuato.
The scenario in Guanajuato is so unhealthy that forward of the nation’s June elections, no less than 4 mayoral candidates have been killed.
Garcia Harfuch didn’t say why the mayors requested for cover. He additionally did not give a lot element on the investigations into Arcos’ killing, saying solely that the mayor had left his employees behind to attend a personal assembly simply earlier than his loss of life.
Arcos had advised native media he wanted extra safety, however Garcia Harfuch mentioned no formal request had been acquired. State and federal governments can supply mayors bulletproof automobiles, extra bodyguards and emergency alert techniques.
The state capital, Chilpancingo, is dominated by two warring drug gangs, the Ardillos and the Tlacos. One staged an illustration of lots of of individuals, hijacked a authorities armored automotive, blocked a serious freeway and took police hostage in 2023 to win the discharge of arrested suspects.
Gangs and drug cartels in Mexico often goal mayors to press calls for for extortion funds, authorities contracts and the appointment of henchmen to municipal police forces.
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Observe AP’s protection of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america