Organized crime groups in Mexico have begun using the infamous ‘suicide hitmen’ — young men willing to carry out assassinations fully aware that they will likely be killed during the attack — according to an investigation published by the media outlet Milenio.

According to the investigation, this modality has recently been documented in the states of Michoacán, Guerrero and Sonora , where the aggressors act without intention of fleeing, directly confronting bodyguards or security forces.

In Uruapan, Michoacán , Mayor Carlos Manzo was assassinated by a 17-year-old identified as Víctor Manuel “N,” who fired at least seven shots at the victim with a 9mm handgun. The attacker was killed by security personnel. Authorities confirmed that the pistol was linked to other attacks attributed to cells of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Another incident occurred in Coyuca de Benítez, Guerrero, where a man identified as Abel ‘N’ assassinated opposition mayoral candidate José Alfredo Cabrera during his campaign closing rally. Despite having six private bodyguards, the assailant managed to approach and open fire before being killed.

Milenio also highlighted the attack that occurred in Guaymas, Sonora, in November 2021, when an armed group threw grenades and shots at the Municipal Palace; one of the attackers died at the scene.

According to experts consulted by the media, this new form of recruitment seeks to generate immediate impact and project the power of the cartels, which employ young people with no expectations of survival as part of a “strategy of terror and territorial control”.

The phenomenon reflects an escalation in the methods of violence used by organized crime, which poses new challenges to Mexican authorities in terms of security and preventing the recruitment of minors, the media outlet indicated.