Narcoblockade simulation mobilizes over 600 in Jalisco; authorities prepare new operational reaction drill

Jalisco, Mexico, recently conducted a large-scale simulation involving over 600 personnel from federal, state, and local security forces. The exercise, coordinated by the V Military Region of the Secretariat of National Defense, focused on responding to high-impact scenarios, specifically "narcoblockades." These are tactics where criminal groups allegedly create road blockades to impede security forces during operations against them.

Roberto Alarcón Estrada, General Coordinator of Security for Jalisco, explained that the drill took place at seven entry points to the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. While roads were not actually obstructed, the simulation aimed to replicate real-world conditions. Response times for units arriving at designated control points were measured, with the goal of ensuring that the arrival of all elements did not exceed 30 minutes from the initial alert, depending on the distance.

Alarcón Estrada likened the exercise to earthquake drills conducted by Civil Protection, stating its purpose was to evaluate the security forces' capabilities in various eventualities. Authorities stressed that the simulation was a realistic approximation and urged the public to remain calm, yield to emergency vehicles, follow official instructions, and refrain from sharing unverified information or rumors on social media during such exercises. A similar drill was scheduled for the following day in Jalisco, with potential adjustments to the locations involved.

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It is an approximation to reality. Just as Civil Protection conducts earthquake drills, the security table evaluates its capabilities in the face of any eventuality.