Argentina city shocked by surge in narco-violence, challenging president’s crime-fighting strategy
Rampant Gang Violence in Rosario, Argentina: A City in Fear
Drug cartel violence has reached unprecedented levels in Argentina, with a recent string of gang-related fatal shootings shaking the city of Rosario. The latest victim, 25-year-old Bruno Bussanich, was gunned down at a service station in broad daylight, leaving residents in fear and authorities scrambling to restore order.
The order to kill Bussanich came from inside a federal prison, highlighting the power wielded by incarcerated drug kingpins over their criminal enterprises. The assailant, a 15-year-old hitman, carried out the attack with chilling precision, leaving the victim’s family and the community reeling from the senseless violence.
In response to the escalating violence, populist President Javier Milei has vowed to crack down on narco-trafficking and prosecute gang members as terrorists. His hardline approach has garnered support from residents who have long suffered from the grip of drug cartels in their neighborhoods.
However, the government’s aggressive tactics have also raised concerns among some residents, who fear being caught in the crossfire between authorities and criminal gangs. The recent deployment of federal forces in Rosario has brought a sense of unease to the city, with streets emptying and businesses closing early due to safety concerns.
As the violence continues to escalate, experts warn that addressing the root causes of corruption and crime is essential to truly combatting the influence of drug traffickers in Argentina. Despite the government’s efforts to restore order, the deep-seated issues of corruption and impunity remain major obstacles in the fight against organized crime.
For the residents of Rosario, the ongoing violence serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face in reclaiming their city from the grip of drug cartels. As they grapple with fear and uncertainty, the hope remains that lasting change will come to their community, bringing an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued their streets for far too long.
