CJNG claimed responsibility for the large explosion at a public event in the city of Zacatecas that occurred over the weekend resulting in 20 people injured and several police cars damaged. While local authorities claim it was a faulty tank being used by a vendor, audio from police radio channels has been released claiming that it was actually a grenade attack outside of a concert.
It was reportedly a message to the State Governor, accusing his support of allowing the MZ (Mayo) Sinaloa Cartel faction into the region.
The explosion occurred at around 1:00 AM Monday morning, when regional Mexican singers Julión Álvarez and Alfredo Olivas were performing at a concert in front of 25,000 people. The concert at Carlos Vega Villalba stadium was part of the Zacatecas Fair celebration in the city.
Explosion Outside Concert
Attendants recall the explosion a smoke rising from the stands. The event initially didn’t stop, but singer Julión Álvarez addressed it shortly after.
“Did you hear? Law enforcement, the military and all those taking care of security are looking at the issue. It seems like it was a gas tank in a food stand or a home. Stand by, we’ll check and continue,” he said.
Signs of shrapnel from the explosion could be seen on various concrete pillars, buildings and nearby trees.
Official Government Version
Zacatecas’ Secretary General of Government, Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza reported that the explosion was due to a food vendor’s fuel tank that was in poor condition and accumulated gas. He initially said that six people were injured and were taken to hospital by ambulance; all of the injured were in stable condition, the official said.
However, security sources confirmed to Dominio Público Noticias that it was an attack with a grenade that damaged some patrol cars and left 14 injured.
Of all the injured, 11 civilians had already been discharged after being treated, and of the 3 injured police officers, only two required surgery. A policewoman is the one who sent out the alert about what happened at the Carlos Vega Villalba stadium, audio from police radio channels has been released claiming that it was actually a grenade attack outside of the concert.
“It is a grenade, our comrades are reporting. They are requesting support, behind the Francisco Villa stadium. An armed attack on the Zacatecas municipal corporation. Our comrades are reporting that they have a grenade,” said the woman.
“What more information do you have, friend? Let’s go to support, FRIZ,” asked a man.
“Behind the Francisco Villa Stadium, Commander. Behind the Francisco Villa Stadium, in the fairgrounds, on the side of Avenida de los Deportes,” she replied.
Another person mentioned that a truck from the State Preventive Police (PEP) is dumping gasoline, and a third pointed out that people want to leave the stadium, so he asks what order they are given.
In the conversation it was also reported that it was an armed attack on Mujer Segura, directly on the patrol car, outside the stadium, in the games area. Another woman answers that they are going there.
CJNG Claims Responsibility
“Today was not a gas tank, but a wake-up call to Governor David who sold the state to the faggots of the Mayos. Authorities should not get involved in a war that is not yours. Zacatecas is of the 4 letters”
A post began circulating on social media in which the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel claims responsibility for the explosion. It denies that the explosion came from a gas tank.
The image signed by “El Señor de Los Gallos”, and is a message to Governor David Monreal accusing him of allowing the Mayo Zambada faction of the Sinaloa Cartel to operate in the area.
MZ Narco Mantas
After the explosion that occurred outside the Carlos Vega Villalba stadium, narco-banners with threatening messages were placed on several bridges and roads in Zacatecas and Guadalupe.
The banners were signed in support of the Mayo faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. They warn that they will go to after state and municipal authorities that support members of the CJNG.
“This notice is for all state and municipal governments that support the Jaliscas. Zacatecas already has a flag and it is MZ. To all those who are supporting, we are coming for you, State Commander 700 CMT Tenesis. Commander Fuerte, among others from the municipalities of Guadalupe, Zacatecas, Morelos, Troncoso, etc…”
Singer Luis Miguel’s highly anticipated concert in Culiacán, Sinaloa, was scheduled for September 27, 2024, but has been officially cancelled due to the escalating violence in the region.
