Five Campaigners Gunned Down, Marking Second Deadly Attack on Same Street in Eight Months

Violence in Huitzilac, Morelos

Huitzilac, a town south of Mexico's capital, is grappling with violence once again. On Monday, five people were gunned down on the same street where another attack left eight dead just eight months earlier. This latest incident has left residents terrified and questioning their safety.

The victims were apparently campaigning for local positions managing the community's resources, including the surrounding forest, ahead of an upcoming election. They were intercepted by gunmen and killed on Huitzilac's main street.

This attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents in the region. Huitzilac is located in Morelos state, an area known for competing criminal organizations and illegal logging. Residents say the violence has escalated in recent years, forcing them to live in fear.

The mayor of Huitzilac has condemned the attack and denied the presence of drug cartels. He also dismissed the possibility of a political motive and said he doesn't know what the motive was.

The National Guard has been deployed to the area to support local and state police in patrolling the area. However, residents say security is inconsistent and violence often occurs when security forces are not present.

This latest attack highlights the ongoing struggle with violence in Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum has launched a campaign to crack down on the number of weapons on the streets, but the problem remains widespread. Criminal organizations continue to fight for territory and extort communities, leaving residents feeling vulnerable and unsafe.