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Tijuana Policeman Killed While on Patrol



San Diego Union Tribune
10:17 p.m. July 12, 2009


A Tijuana police officer was killed and two of his colleagues injured when gunmen opened fire on them while on patrol Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

This marks the third Tijuana police officer killed this week during a series of shootings blamed on drug traffickers, authorities said.

The attack occurred about 4:20 p.m. in the La Presa neighborhood on the eastern side of the city. Gunmen armed with automatic rifles attacked two patrol vehicles, killing Officer Leonardo Balcázar Gómez, according to Tijuana police.

Authorities blame the attacks on Teodoro García Simental – commonly known as “El Teo” – who is said to control trafficking routes and the domestic drug market in much of eastern Tijuana and Rosarito Beach. García's group has suffered serious losses as the military and civilian law enforcement forces have arrested some of his top deputies in recent weeks.

Gunmen left behind a handwritten sign during one of the earlier attacks: Five officers will die each week unless Tijuana police chief Julián Leyzaola resigns.

A total of 17 Tijuana police officers, including Balcázar, have been killed this year.

Though not strictly Baja related, so I won't post a link here, but there is a lengthy article about the drug related violence, particularly as it relates to Juarez. The casualty numbers are staggering. you can catch it at latimes.com.

I really sense that the cartels are feeling the added pressure of late via increased inspections entering Mexico, military operations and leaders falling/captured as well as cash/drug seizures.

They are trying to get the general population to pressure the government into backing off.

OK. You made me do it! Try this on.
Calderon's drug offensive stirs 'wasp nest' - Los Angeles Times