Mexico: One Dead After Shootout Between Military and Jalisco New Generation Cartel Inside a Jalisco Mall

Plaza Andares in Zapopan, Jalisco is one of the busiest shopping malls in Mexico. It was recently rocked as elements of the Mexican Army and the National Guard engaged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in an intense firefight. One person was left dead, with the alleged attackers managing to escape.

Attempted Attack on One Businessman Led to Intense Firefight in Zapopan, Jalisco

According to the Yucatan Times, at least 12 heavily armed cartel members surrounded one man as he was leaving the shopping mall. The gunmen came aboard recent model vans which bore CJNG markings.

The man had several bodyguards who reacted accordingly, and a firefight between them ensued. Not long after, elements of the Mexican Army and the National Guard arrived and engaged the cartel members.

The Daily Mail reported that the man was likely a businessman, and the CJNG were trying to kidnap him when they attacked the mall. Authorities believe that he is a tequila distillery owner.

Authorities reported that the one who died was left inside a vehicle with Mexico City license plates ESC 12 AE. They are now investigating the legal status of that vehicle.

Meanwhile, Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro stated that two of those injured were part of the gun battle. He said that they will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office. One of those injured is currently being heavily guarded by the military.

The others injured include a woman, presumed to be an ordinary civilian, as well as a delivery man and one of the mall's security guards. The security guard is reportedly in critical condition. All of those mentioned had gunshot wounds. The sixth person injured only suffered from a sprained ankle and was released shortly.

The dead person is presumed to be a bodyguard. Police are now investigating which agency he worked for.

Videos Show Jalisco New Generation Cartel Members Using Military-Style Rifles During Attack

The attack happened in broad daylight, with mallgoers and staff being caught in the middle of the intense firefight. Many have also captured videos of the attack and posted them on social media. Surveillance videos from the incident have also surfaced.

According to the Associated Press, several civilians and mall staff can be seen diving into the floor or into cover to avoid getting hit by bullets. Local prosecutor Joaquin Mendez told local media that four of the people were indeed civilians, being either customers or mall staff, like the security guard.

Videos also showed that the attackers were carrying military-style rifles. One video shows a gunman unleashing a hail of bullets from the driver's side of the vehicle and into the mall. Meanwhile, another image showed a woman lying on top of a child to shield her from the flying bullets.

The Yucatan Times also reported that two SUVs were seized, along with tactical equipment. These include bulletproof vests and handcuffs, all bearing the CJNG initials. Another car believed to be used in the attack was also seized far from the mall. Authorities also managed to take two long rifles and over 200 bullet casings as evidence.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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