The Mexican army has sent a group of elite Special Forces soldiers to Chihuahua to strengthen efforts against crime after a shocking mass killing at a horse race in the city of Parral. The deployment comes as authorities work to restore safety and protect residents in the region.
Mexican Army Reinforces Law Enforcement in Chihuahua
On November 23, 90 soldiers from the Mexican army Special Forces unit landed at the Chihuahua City airport on a military transport plane. The troops arrived from a Mexico City airbase and will join local police and National Guard forces to patrol streets and prevent further criminal activity.
The Mexican army’s mission includes deterring crime, carrying out preventive operations, and patrolling high-risk areas. Authorities emphasized that the deployment is part of a close partnership between state and federal forces, aimed at keeping the public safe.
State officials expressed gratitude for the Mexican army’s support, noting that working closely with army personnel has strengthened local law enforcement. Officials stressed that Chihuahua will not tolerate criminal activity and that the deployment reflects strong coordination between government leaders and security forces.
Mass Killing Sparks Mexican Army Action in Parral
The deployment follows a brutal shooting on November 15 at the Santa Teresa racetrack in Parral. Gunmen killed seven men and wounded several others during the event. The following morning, authorities found an eighth man who had been fatally shot at a different location.
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Reports indicate that the attack involved members of rival criminal groups. Gunmen reportedly targeted a specific faction of a drug cartel, escalating violence in an already tense region. Parral is located more than 130 miles south of Chihuahua City, near the border with the state of Durango, making it a key area for Mexican army operations.
The incident shocked local communities and highlighted the need for rapid action. In response, authorities increased security measures, including deploying the Mexican army Special Forces to reinforce ongoing law enforcement efforts.
Broader Security Operations in Chihuahua and Juárez
Chihuahua has seen a rise in law enforcement and military operations aimed at curbing criminal activity in recent months. The Mexican army and National Guard are actively working alongside local police in multiple operations.
One recent success involved the seizure of a rocket launcher and two handguns during the arrest of an individual. Authorities also confiscated over 6,000 fentanyl pills, several pounds of methamphetamine, a tactical vest, a vehicle, and a building.
In another operation, state police and the Mexican army rescued 17 migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, and Mexico. The migrants had been held by smugglers in a house on the southeastern edge of Juárez. The rescue occurred after authorities responded to an emergency call about armed individuals at the location. During the operation, police arrested five suspects, including men, a woman, and two juveniles, and seized multiple firearms and more than $1,200 in U.S. currency.
These operations are part of ongoing campaigns in northern Mexico, designed to combat organized crime, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. Officials stress that the combination of the Mexican army and police presence is key to preventing further incidents and maintaining public safety.
The deployment of the Mexican army Special Forces to Chihuahua reflects the government’s immediate response to serious violence, ensuring that trained military personnel support local law enforcement in critical situations. Residents in affected areas are being closely monitored, and authorities continue to patrol neighborhoods to deter future attacks.