**Relatives of Former CJNG Leader Executed in Tecate**
In a tragic incident on Sunday morning, a man and a woman, believed to be family members of a former leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), were brutally killed on the Tecate-Mexicali highway. The attack occurred at approximately 10:30 AM near kilometer 111, where reports indicate that the victims were pursued by armed individuals.
Witnesses described the scene as a black Chevrolet Equinox, carrying two adults and a minor, was being chased by a pickup truck and another vehicle with armed occupants. This pursuit resulted in the Chevrolet overturning on the road.
After the vehicle overturned, the assailants exited their vehicles and opened fire over 15 times, hitting the car’s hood, roof, and sides with .223 caliber weapons. Sadly, the two adults, reportedly the mother and brother of Ismael Gómez Sierra, known as “El Chiquilín,” who was a former municipal police officer and CJNG leader, were pronounced dead at the scene. Gómez Sierra himself was found deceased on January 2, 2025, in suspicious circumstances at a prison in El Hongo.
A 17-year-old girl, who was traveling with them, was transported to a hospital due to multiple gunshot wounds.
In an official statement, Tecate’s Civil Protection advised: “The area is temporarily closed to ensure the safety of passersby. It is recommended to avoid the vicinity for the coming hours.”
The scene remains cordoned off, awaiting the arrival of forensic teams, who are traveling from Tijuana due to staff shortages in Tecate.
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**Additional News on cartel-related violence in Mexico**
Recently, Mexico has witnessed a surge in violent incidents tied to drug cartels. In Ensenada, a shooting in a nightclub district left one person dead and four others injured. This event underscores the persistent danger posed by organized crime in the region.
Elsewhere, Carlos Hafen, linked to previous controversies, was taken into custody related to a land dispute involving the LeBarón community in San Quintín. The situation further illustrates the ongoing challenges in dealing with crime and corruption within the country.
Mexico continues to grapple with the influence of cartels, evident in the recent arrest of a former police officer associated with past forced disappearances. As these issues persist, they remain a critical area of concern for authorities striving to restore safety and order.