Mexican Security Forces Operate Against Armed Criminal Group, Killing 12 and Detaining 9

Mexican troops have targeted marine drug smugglers in a raid in Michoacán, killing 12 cartel suspects and apprehending 9.

According to Mexico’s Security Ministry, during a large-scale operation in the rural village of Huitzontla, Michoacán, on Saturday, security forces killed 12 suspected members of a criminal organization and detained nine others.

Omar Harfuch, the security minister, acknowledged on social media that the Navy-led operation, which was conducted in response to rising criminal activity in the area, had injured three Navy personnel. The people in custody face serious charges such as kidnapping, extortion, and murder.

Authorities said that tactical equipment and guns were found at the site, and criminal organizations known to be involved in marine drug trafficking operate in the area.

The security personnel were met with “strong aggression” by the gang, according to the Security Ministry, which prompted a firm response “in compliance with current regulations”.

According to local media outlets El Universal and La Jornada, the accused are part of one of Mexico’s most potent and ruthless drug organizations, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). CJNG’s global illicit activities and violence led the US government to designate it as a terrorist organization earlier this year.

Michoacán continues to be one of Mexico’s most unstable areas, with competing gangs regularly fighting for territory and control of drug routes.