The Mexican Drug War has been raging for years and despite military intervention to quell the violence sparked by the drug cartels, the battles have torn many regions apart. Now, government officials in Mexico have to also contend with civilian vigilantes known as “self-defense” groups who have declared war on the violent Knights Templar cartel in the state of Michoacán.
The New York Times reported on the deteriorating conditions in the state, with government officials promising to seize back control from the cartel on Monday (January 13). However, citizens who have taken up arms have been warring in the open with the drug gangs in the western Mexican state. The Times has more.
From the Times:
The turmoil in Michoacán — where vigilantes have been battling cartel gunmen on village streets — poses one of the biggest security challenges for President Enrique Peña Nieto, whose focus since taking office a little over a year ago has been on the economy.
But Hipólito Mora, one of the leaders of the self-defense groups, told the local news media that first the government must arrest the leaders of the Knights Templar. “We will hold out,” Mr. Mora told the newspaper El Universal on Monday. “I agree that one day we will have to lay down our weapons, and I would love to go back to work.” He added, “But the government should recognize that this is their failing.”
Although the efforts of the vigilantes may have noble intentions, authorities say that rival gang members could be among the self-defense teams. In fact, the lines appear to be blurring in Michoacán regarding those involved in the fighting, making President Nieto’s task of restoring peace much more difficult. Some experts also say the vigilantes could be making veiled attempts to obtain valuable turf.
President Nieto sent troops to the state last May to battle with the Knights Templar gang, and in November, the Navy took control of a Pacific port where the cartel lorded over. Nieto has not been seen as particularly strong on combating the Mexican Drug War, although with Monday’s announcement it appears this stance may be changing.
[Gawker]
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Photo: Reuters
