Shootout nets 46 cartel suspects in Mexico
- 10 years ago
A series of shootouts in Mexico leads to the arrest of 46 suspected cartel members allegedly posing as vigilantes.
The firefight started Monday morning in Huetamo, a city in the western state of Michoacan.
Officials said the suspects were from the violent Knights Templar drug cartel.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) FEDERAL COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN MICHOACAN, ALFREDO CASTILLO CERVANTES, SAYING:
"The alleged criminals clearly covered their criminal activities by posing as vigilante group members from that town, by wearing white t-shirts with slogans such as: 'Free Huetamo' and 'Vigilante group members.'"
It's unknown whether there were any wounded or fatalities.
The government has an uneasy alliance with vigilantes, or "self-defense" groups, who have fought against the cartel group.
Some locals believe crime groups may have infiltrated some of the vigilantes, raising doubts about the alliance.
The firefight started Monday morning in Huetamo, a city in the western state of Michoacan.
Officials said the suspects were from the violent Knights Templar drug cartel.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) FEDERAL COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN MICHOACAN, ALFREDO CASTILLO CERVANTES, SAYING:
"The alleged criminals clearly covered their criminal activities by posing as vigilante group members from that town, by wearing white t-shirts with slogans such as: 'Free Huetamo' and 'Vigilante group members.'"
It's unknown whether there were any wounded or fatalities.
The government has an uneasy alliance with vigilantes, or "self-defense" groups, who have fought against the cartel group.
Some locals believe crime groups may have infiltrated some of the vigilantes, raising doubts about the alliance.