Homicides in Mexico increase 17% so far in 2018

Intentional homicides in Mexico has increased by 17% in the first eight months of this year when compared with the same period of the previous year. The statistics of the National Public Security System reports a total of 18,835 investigation files initiated by violent deaths from January to August 2018, by the 32 prosecutor offices in Mexico, which means 2,822 more than in 2017. So far, July remains the most violent month registering 2,603 murders, the highest figure since the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System began keeping records of intentional homicides in 1997. According to the records, in January there were 2,159 investigations for intentional homicide; in February, 2,045; March with 2,355; April, 2,351; May, 2,535; June, 2,299; the highest July with 2,603 and August with 2,488. Guanajuato continues to lead with more violent deaths, adding 1,671 between January and August, the state struggles with fighting between the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación and the criminal organization called Santa Rosa de Lima, for the control of the illegal extraction of hydrocarbons, extortion and kidnapping. In second place is Guerrero, with 1,507, followed by the State of Mexico with 1,472; Chihuahua with 1,293; Jalisco with a 1,216; Veracruz with 849; Michoacán with 845 and Mexico City with 790 homicides.