Increased Security in Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca
In a significant move aimed at restoring order in the region, elements of the Armed Forces have taken control of security operations in the municipality of Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca . This measure comes in response to escalated violence from a criminal cell reacting to recent law enforcement actions.
A mega security operation , which consists of over 1,000 personnel from the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), the National Defense (Sedena), and the National Guard (GN), has successfully assumed control of both the Municipal Police and the Control and Command Center (C2) in Juchitán de Zaragoza, located within the Istmo de Tehuantepec region.
The Oaxaca State Attorney General’s Office (FGEO), in partnership with the State Investigation Agency (AEI), and other federal authorities, has implemented this expansive operation in response to the municipality’s growing delinquency rates. The area is categorized as a priority zone by state authorities due to its high incidence of crime.
Hello to Increased Violence Amidst Law Enforcement Pressure
According to local prosecutorial statements, this joint action signifies an institutional response aimed at curbing the violent acts that have surged following recent arrests targeting organized crime groups. Juchitán de Zaragoza is identified as a red flag area , facing serious criminal activities such as extortion, homicides, kidnapping, and racketeering .
As part of the operation, the Oaxaca Attorney’s Office has begun inspecting the facilities of the Municipal Police in Juchitán de Zaragoza. This step ensures that the local police force adheres to the necessary standards of trust and professionalism crucial for effective operation. The Trust Evaluation and Control Center of the Executive Secretariat of the State Public Security System has issued letters to municipal police officers, requiring them to undergo evaluations to determine their trustworthiness.
In light of the security concerns, law enforcement has set up dispersive patrols and established security checkpoints at various entrances and exits of Juchitán de Zaragoza.
The Rise of “Comandante Cromo” and Recent Incidents
Reports indicate that the violent reactions over the past few weeks can be traced back to a criminal cell known as “ Comandante Cromo ,” which allegedly operates under the affiliation of the Sinaloa Cartel .
This week, the Oaxaca ministerial authority announced the arrest of four hitmen involved in setting fire to convenience stores in Juchitán. The incidents occurred on June 16, targeting two branches of the OXXO convenience store chain, one located at the corner of Abasolo and Rosendo Pineda , with another on Saúl Martínez in the Octava Sección .
The arrested individuals have been identified as N.J.J.C., “Chico Bala”; J.A.S.S., “Chuy”; B.A.C.S., “Papaya”; and C.E.BC., “Cachorro.” These suspects are reportedly linked to Comandante Cromo’s cell, further intensifying concerns about the security situation in the region.
Connections to Extortion and Threats
Investigative work by the authorities has revealed that these four individuals might also be behind a series of threats for extortion made via phone calls targeting various sectors in Juchitán, as well as in other municipalities within the area. Images released by the Oaxaca Attorney’s Office corroborate testimonies, depicting three suspects entering one of the burned-down stores.
The images display the men wearing hats and face masks; two of them were armed with handguns, and one carried two containers with a flammable liquid presumed to be used for the fires. Notably, two suspects were seen wearing caps marked with the initials C.D.S. , referencing the Sinaloa Cartel known to have a significant presence in the region.
In light of these critical interventions, the implications for public safety and efforts to combat organized crime in the area remain paramount. The ongoing collaboration between local and federal authorities not only aims to restore peace but also seeks to dismantle the existing criminal networks that have wreaked havoc in Juchitán de Zaragoza and its surroundings. As law enforcement intensifies its strategies, the local population is urged to remain vigilant and supportive of measures designed to ensure their safety and security in this tumultuous environment.