Amid a spate of violence in Rosario, the Argentine government is sending additional police officers to soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s hometown. President Alberto Fernández announced that the number of federal police officers would be increased to 1,400.
In addition, the army’s engineering corps will help with work to upgrade the slums. “We will restore order in Rosario, guaranteeing a social life of freedom and security. But above all, we will ensure justice. We owe it to the victims of the Mafia and to the children of the city,” said the President.
Most recently, an eleven-year-old boy was shot dead on the street by suspected drug dealers in Rosario, and three other children were injured in the attack. The victim’s relatives then demolished five houses that were used to sell cocaine.
Rosario suffers from a wave of violence. Several drug gangs are vying for control of the city northwest of Buenos Aires. So far this year, 64 people have been killed in Rosario. Again and again members of the drug gangs attack public buildings, prisons and police stations. Last week, unidentified gunmen fired 14 shots at Lionel Messi’s father-in-law’s supermarket, leaving a note that read: “Messi, we’re waiting for you”.
