Five bodies hanging from a bridge in the Mexican state of Zacatecas have reignited fears of a new wave of cartel violence in a region that had seen a significant drop in homicides in recent years.

The bodies were found on July 18 in Pózo de Gamboa, a town of about 5,000 inhabitants, positioned in a strategic area for drug trafficking routes to the United States.

The victims reportedly included a former mayor, public officials and businessmen from various areas of Zacatecas. A short time later, five more bodies were found in surrounding areas.

The incident has caused great shock in the community, especially since deadly violence in Zacatecas had declined significantly in recent years. According to official data, the number of intentional homicides had fallen from around 1,300 in 2022 to 144 in 2025.

"After 9pm you don't see anyone else"

Residents of Pózo de Gamboa say that after recent events, fear has returned to the community.

"After 9pm you don't see a soul outside," one resident told AFP, describing the atmosphere of insecurity in the city.

Another resident indicated that there is a constant fear of kidnappings and murders in the area, saying that he had also lost a relative under such circumstances.

The bridge where the victims were found is not unknown for similar incidents. In the past, bodies have been found hanging there and flags associated with criminal cartels have also been displayed.

 

The clash between the cartels

Zacatecas has become an important flashpoint between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel, two of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico.

Control of the territory is particularly important due to the strategic position of the state and the routes used for drug trafficking northward.

The prosecution has launched an investigation into the murders, while local authorities have requested the support of the army and the National Guard to strengthen security in the area.

 New pressure on the Sheinbaum government

The return of violence poses a new challenge for the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, which has vowed that the perpetrators will be identified and arrested.

For residents of Zacatecas, however, the main concern is whether the recent events are an isolated incident or a sign of a return to cartel warfare in a state that had managed to significantly reduce the level of violence.

The event has brought the battle for control of territory and drug trafficking routes in one of Mexico's most strategic regions back into the spotlight.

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