**Vice Admiral of the Mexican Navy Assassinated in Manzanillo, Colima**
In a recent troubling incident, Fernando Rubén Guerrero Alcántar, an active member of Mexico’s Navy, was tragically shot and killed on November 8, 2024. The assassination took place around 11:30 a.m. while Guerrero Alcántar was driving on Lázaro Cárdenas Avenue in the Las Brisas neighborhood of Manzanillo, Colima. Local reports indicate that two armed individuals on a motorcycle fired directly at the vice admiral, resulting in his immediate death.
The attack was swiftly reported to emergency services, but by the time paramedics arrived on the scene, Guerrero Alcántar, who was wearing a green shirt and black shorts, had already succumbed to his injuries, which included fatal shots to the face and head.
The Navy confirmed Guerrero Alcántar’s active service in Manzanillo and noted his previous position as director of the maritime customs in Veracruz in 2023. It was a role he stepped down from upon revelations of his earnings surpassing that of the then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
This incident marks the second murder of a Mexican Navy member in Manzanillo within a brief period. The prior fatality occurred on August 29, 2023, involving a Navy officer on vacation who also fell victim to gun violence.
In response, the Navy expressed profound condolences and committed to supporting Guerrero Alcántar’s family while collaborating with authorities to resolve the case. A military rank such as vice admiral in the Navy is equivalent to a brigadier or major general in land forces or air forces, highlighting the position’s significance within military hierarchies.
**Related Incident: Violence Against Government Employees in Manzanillo**
In a similar vein of alarming violence, Magaly Janet ‘N’, an employee of the Attorney General’s Office, was fatally shot while driving in Manzanillo on October 21, 2024. Assailants fired directly at her while she waited at a traffic light, hitting her in the arm and chest. Authorities confirmed her death at the scene, marking another instance of violence against public servants in the region.
These incidents have highlighted ongoing concerns about safety and criminal activity in Mexico, particularly in relation to those combating drug trafficking. President López Obrador has previously addressed such issues, emphasizing the government’s efforts to tackle the illegal fentanyl trade and ensure that crime organizations do not infiltrate governmental structures. The President has sought international cooperation to prevent drug precursor smuggling and reiterated his commitment to dismantling drug laboratories and securing ports.
These events underscore a challenging period for Mexican authorities as they navigate complex security issues amplified by organized crime networks. The military and governmental bodies continue to face substantial risks as they work to maintain peace and security in affected areas.