In Acapulco, Mexico, rival organized-crime gangs have increased the level of violence against each other and moved it into areas of town more frequented by tourists. Over a four-day period in mid August, 13 people were killed during attacks on taxis and public buses, with one attack at a taxi stand near the municipal market.
Also in Acapulco, on Aug. 20 five decapitated bodies were discovered near a Sam’s Club store and along the nearby boulevard Miguel Alemán. Gas station owners have protested the extortion by crime gangs and threats against their employees.
In the northern city of Monterrey, 52 people died in a casino on Aug. 25 when, in apparent warfare between crime gangs, armed men pushed in, poured fuel and set it on fire. The police have sent an additional 1,500 officers to the area to help with security and investigations.