Mexican Government Launches Operation in San Mateo Piñas Following Mayor Lilia Gema García Soto’s Assassination

Web Editor

June 15, 2025

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Background and Relevance of Lilia Gema García Soto

Lilia Gema García Soto was the recently elected mayor of San Mateo Piñas, a small town located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Her commitment to public service and advocacy for her community made her a significant figure in local politics. As the first female mayor of San Mateo Piñas, she aimed to bring positive change and development to the region.

The Tragic Incident

Assassination of Mayor Lilia Gema García Soto:

On the morning of June 15, 2023, armed individuals stormed the San Mateo Piñas municipal building where Mayor García Soto was working. They opened fire on the mayor and another man, identified as G.R.G., resulting in both their deaths due to gunshot wounds.

Governor’s Response

Salomón Jara Cruz, the governor of Oaxaca, strongly condemned the attack and expressed his condolences through social media:

“We condemn the assassination of San Mateo Piñas’ mayor, Lilia Gema García Soto. There can be no impunity for this heinous act. We will collaborate with the Fiscalía General del Estado to clarify the events and ensure justice.

Government’s Action

Deployment of Security Operation:

In response to the assassination, the Mexican government’s security cabinet launched a joint operation in San Mateo Piñas and its surrounding areas. This operation aims to ensure the safety of residents, gather evidence, and apprehend those responsible for Mayor García Soto’s murder.

The Fiscalía General del Estado (General Prosecutor’s Office) is leading the investigation through its Regional Vicefiscalía de la Costa (Coastal Regional Prosecutor’s Office). They have already collected crucial evidence at the crime scene and reaffirmed their commitment to swiftly solving the case and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who was Lilia Gema García Soto? She was the newly elected mayor of San Mateo Piñas, Oaxaca, known for her dedication to public service and community development.
  • What happened in San Mateo Piñas? Armed individuals attacked the municipal building, resulting in the deaths of Mayor García Soto and another man, G.R.G., on June 15, 2023.
  • What is the government’s response? The Mexican government deployed a security operation in San Mateo Piñas and surrounding areas, with the Fiscalía General del Estado leading the investigation to apprehend those responsible.