They attack again security corporations in Zacatecas; clash leaves 5 armed civilians dead in the municipality of Calera

A violent armed confrontation erupted in the municipality of Calera, Zacatecas, on Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of five armed civilians, according to local authorities. The incident occurred near the community of Río Frío, where members of the Zacatecas Rapid Response Force (FRIZ) and the Investigation Police (PDI) were attacked by suspected organized crime figures while conducting patrol duties. The attack marked another escalation in tensions between law enforcement agencies and criminal groups in the region. The conflict began shortly after dawn, with reports indicating that armed individuals ambushed security forces in the area. The exact number of attackers was initially unclear, but both the state secretary general, Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, and prosecutor Cristian Camacho confirmed to El Universal that five aggressors lost their lives during the exchange of fire. The bodies of the deceased have yet to be recovered, as search operations continue in the surrounding terrain. Authorities have not disclosed whether any of the victims were affiliated with known criminal organizations. The incident took place in a remote section of Calera, which borders the capital city of Zacatecas. This location has been under increased scrutiny due to its proximity to major highways and its historical role as a transit point for illicit activities. Security forces have since deployed additional personnel to the area to ensure public safety and to conduct thorough investigations into the attack. The operation includes both ground teams and aerial surveillance to cover all possible locations where suspects might be hiding. Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza issued a public appeal urging residents to exercise caution in the affected zone and to follow official instructions. He emphasized the importance of allowing emergency and security units free passage through the area, stating that ongoing verification efforts will provide further updates as the investigation progresses. Local media outlets have reported that the situation remains volatile, with sporadic gunfire still being heard in the vicinity. Authorities have also called for the public to stay informed through official channels, including social media platforms and government websites. The state government has not yet released detailed information regarding the motive behind the attack or the identities of the perpetrators. However, officials have hinted that the incident could be linked to ongoing conflicts involving drug trafficking networks operating in the region. In recent months, Zacatecas has witnessed a series of high-profile attacks against police and military units, often attributed to rival gangs vying for control over smuggling routes and illegal markets. These incidents have prompted heightened security measures and increased coordination between federal and state law enforcement agencies. Despite these efforts, the frequency of such attacks suggests that organized crime continues to pose a significant threat to public order in the region. As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain focused on identifying the remaining suspects and recovering evidence related to the attack. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for regional security strategies and the effectiveness of current anti-crime initiatives. For now, the focus remains on maintaining stability in the area and ensuring the continued cooperation of the local population.