Violence and Criminal Activities in Puebla and Tlaxcala: A Closer Look at Recent Incidents
Mexican authorities are currently investigating the discovery of six severed human heads in the central states of Puebla and Tlaxcala. The heads are reported to belong to men, but further details about the case have not been provided. Gruesome killings by criminal groups are unfortunately not uncommon in Mexico, as seen in previous incidents such as the discovery of 20 male bodies with gunshot wounds earlier this year in Sinaloa state, including five that were decapitated on a bridge over a federal highway.
Puebla and Tlaxcala, both located just over 100 kilometers from Mexico City, are not among the states with the highest levels of violence in Mexico according to official figures. Puebla accounts for 3.4% of the intentional homicides recorded nationally from January to July, while Tlaxcala accounts for 0.5%. Despite being generally considered safer travel destinations compared to other Mexican states, both Puebla and Tlaxcala face challenges due to their geographic location, including issues related to criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and fuel theft.
In 2022, authorities in Puebla made a significant discovery when they found a truck transporting 116 migrants of various nationalities. The US State Department has designated both Puebla and Tlaxcala with a Level 2 travel advisory, indicating a relatively low level of risk for travelers. However, the presence of criminal activities in the region highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in maintaining security and combating organized crime.