8 People Died In Shooting In Morelos Mexico, Mayor Vargas Murka: Must Stop

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Eight people died in weekend shootings in the state of Morelos, Mexico, which is adjacent to Mexico City. The attack took place last Saturday in the municipality of Huitzilac, off the highway linking the capital city to the tourist city of Cuernavaca. Morelos prosecutor's office reported that four people died at the scene while four others died after being taken to hospital. Seven victims were between 29 and 50 years old while the eighth victim was not immediately identified. The eight bodies were transferred to a forensic medical service facility as the shooting investigation continues, officials said. The foresty mountain city of Huitzilac has been plagued by illegal logging, kidnappers, and drug gangs, in part by providing nearby rural hiding places near the Mexican capital. Mayor Rafael Vargas called the attack "terrible acts of violence." "Right in the city center, some people were attacked and killed," Vargas said. Apparently aware of the city's bad reputation, he added: "Violence must be stopped. We will condemn all types of slander that are trying to damage our people," he said as quoted by CBSNews, Monday, May 13. Morelos is a popular holiday destination for Mexico City residents, despite bordering the turbulent state of Gupria, where various drug cartels operate. In November last year, armed confrontations between police and suspected criminals killed nine people in Cuernavaca. About 450,000 people have been killed across the country since 2006, when the government launched a controversial anti-drug attack involving the military, according to official figures.

Last week, 18 bodies were found in Zacatecas, northern Mexican state hit by a wave of violence related to drug cartels. Messages aimed at criminal groups were found with nine bodies, authorities said. Last month, a journalist died in Morelos after taking his daughter to school.