Head of Security for Celaya's Mayor Killed, Possible CJNG Video Claims Attack

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Álvaro Fernando Coria Jiménez, the head of security for Celaya's mayor, was gunned down while leaving his home for work in the morning yesterday. A video released online, purportedly by the CJNG, claims responsibility for the killing.

The attack occurred around 9:00 a.m. on February 12th when Coria Jiménez was leaving his home on Plan de Ayala street in Celaya, Guanajuato. According to El Sol del Bajio, Coria Jiménez was killed by shots to the back. He was dead by the time police and Guardia Nacional responded to the scene.

Coria Jiménez was the head of security for Juan Miguel Ramírez Sánchez, the mayor of Celaya.

Shortly after the attack, a video showing the body of Coria Jiménez under text was shared online. Borderland Beat received the video from David Saucedo, a Guanajuato-focused security analyst.

 The text reads:

 "This will happen to all those who continue supporting the filthy innocent killing Marros.

 We have a list of all those who support these scumbags, and your name leads on that list, Daniel Nieto Martínez.

 And the administrators of the news groups who support the fucking scumbags, we will fucking kill you.

 Attentatmente, 

 The owners of Celaya and all of Guanajuato"

Analysis of the video

The video clearly intends to attribute the attack to the CJNG in three ways:

1. The video claims Coria Jiménez was killed for supporting the CSRL.
2. The video uses a stock phrase found in nearly all CJNG messaging "owners of Celaya and all of Guanajuato".
3. The video ends with images of roosters, a symbol closely associated with CJNG's brand.

However, the video is suspect. It is a low quality video, with simple text edited above a photo of the body. Unlike most narco communication videos which feature armed men with speaking roles, this video could have been made by anyone. Further, CJNG communications in Guanajuato are typically more complex and higher quality. They frequently release numerous highly edited plastic banners in several different municipalities at once - a logistical feat. Video messages released by the CJNG often feature many armed men holding weapons and wearing 'CJNG' branding. The increased effort before these videos lend them credence.

A CJNG banner found in Guanajuato in 2022. 83 of these exact banners were left around the state overnight.

Especially given the high profile figure killed, this could possibly be a video created by the CSRL to discredit their rivals, provoking a government response against them. Based on a review of CSRL messaging in the state, CSRL communications typically have many spelling errors, are written on card board or paper, and make extensive use of drawings. They are more crude and simple on every level.

Daniel Esteban Nieto Martínez is the current Secretary of Development (Secretario de Ayuntamiento) for Celaya, another member of the mayors cabinet. The Secretario de Ayuntamiento is a powerful role in local administration, typically the mayors chief advisor, who helps determine the municipalities agenda, as well as overseeing the provision of certifications and contracts.

Shortly after the attack, Mayor Ramírez Sánchez condemned the killing in a press conference, where he described Coria Jiménez as a friend and a man who dedicated his life to fighting for the safety of the citizens. 

Sources: El Sol del Bajio, ⁠El Sol del Bajio, Proceso, Correspondence with security analyst David Saucedo