A car bomb, 11 wounded and an investigation that points to the CJNG; what is known about the attack in Ojocaliente, Zacatecas
On September 30, a car bomb attack occurred near the municipal police station in Ojocaliente, Zacatecas, Mexico, resulting in 11 injured individuals and significant damage to approximately 30 homes and 13 vehicles. Authorities confirmed the vehicle had a stolen report and was modified with explosive devices, leading to the classification of the incident as a 'car bomb.' The explosion occurred inside the vehicle, contradicting initial reports that suggested the device was launched from a moving vehicle. The location of the police station, situated in a closed residential area, contributed to the extent of the damage. The state governor’s secretary, Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, explained that a civilian parked the vehicle with explosives near the station and left it ignited, leading to the explosion when a female officer was about to exit. The attorney general of Zacatecas, Cristian Paul Camacho, linked the attack to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), citing the vehicle's reported theft in Jalisco and the cartel's presence in Ojocaliente. Authorities have increased security measures in the area, involving federal and military forces.
A cochebomba exploded near the municipal police command in Ojocaliente, Zacatecas, on September 30, 2026, injuring 11 people and causing extensive damage. The attack, attributed to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), marks the seventh such incident targeting law enforcement this year in the state. The explosion occurred during the early hours of the morning, disrupting public life and prompting immediate security measures. The attack took place in a densely populated area, with the blast wave damaging 36 properties and 13 vehicles. Among the injured were two female officers and three minors, one of whom was in critical condition. The vehicle, reportedly stolen in Jalisco earlier this year, was left running behind a patrol unit before detonating. The explosion caused structural damage to nearby buildings, including 17 homes located close to the police station. Authorities confirmed the device was a “cochebomba,” a type of explosive-laden vehicle used in targeted attacks. Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, the secretary-general of the Zacatecas state government, stated that the attack was a direct response to the capture of a suspected violent actor in Villa García, near the border with Aguascalientes. On September 29, a motorcycle carrying explosives detonated on a highway, injuring two individuals, a state police officer and a woman. The incident led to the arrest of one suspect, identified as William, an 18-year-old whose tattoos match those of a wanted individual from Aguascalientes. General Arturo Medina Mayoral, head of the State Security Department, explained that the attack was part of a broader strategy by organized crime groups to regain influence in key municipalities, including Zacatecas, Guadalupe, Fresnillo, and Jerez. He noted that the municipality of Luis Moya has been particularly affected, with increased activity around Zacatequillas, a known entry point for cells operating from Aguascalientes. In response, authorities announced Operation Yunque and Martillo, backed by military support, aimed at dismantling cross-border smuggling routes. Following the attack, the city of Ojocaliente suspended in-person classes and other public activities, leading to the cancellation of its annual Feria Regional de la Tuna y la Uva 2026. Military and federal forces reinforced security in the area, while the state government emphasized the need for heightened vigilance. The Fiscalía de Zacatecas, through prosecutor Cristian Paul Camacho, linked the attack to the CJNG, citing the stolen vehicle’s origins in Jalisco and the cartel’s presence in the region. However, no formal charges have been filed yet. Authorities continue investigating the incident, focusing on the connection between the recent explosions and ongoing efforts by criminal organizations to challenge state control. The attack underscores the escalating violence in Zacatecas, with officials warning that such acts represent a growing threat to public safety. As investigations unfold, the focus remains on identifying and apprehending those responsible for the attack and preventing further incidents.
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