A wave of violence has swept through several municipalities in Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Jalisco as rival cartels clash over territory. The conflict led to the deaths of two police officers and widespread destruction.
According to officials, the recent outbreak of violence was not a response to the arrest of cartel leaders but rather a result of a confrontation between two criminal groups fighting for control of the region. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that investigations are underway to clarify the events.
The Federal Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, reported on social media that violent incidents had spread to 26 municipalities in Michoacán, as well as two in Guanajuato and one in Jalisco. He stated that vehicles were burned, three stores attacked, roadblocks set up, and assaults on authorities occurred.
“We have already recovered the roads and reinforced the presence of federal forces,” Harfuch said. “Explosive devices have been seized, and several mines planted by criminal groups have been destroyed.”
The violence has also had a significant impact on local communities, with residents reporting the suspension of public transportation services and the closure of convenience stores.
In Apatzingán, heavily armed groups from the Michoacan New Generation Cartel attacked federal forces and exchanged gunfire for at least two hours in the Tierra Caliente region. They set fire to vehicles, burned convenience stores, and blocked roads in at least five regions of Michoacán.
The CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) and Viagras have been identified as the main perpetrators behind the attacks. The conflict has led to concerns among residents and local authorities, who are urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and avoid the affected areas until further notice.
Security operations have been deployed in various regions of Michoacán, including Zamora, Zacapu, Apatzingán, La Piedad, Pátzcuaro, and Morelia, to address roadblocks caused by criminal groups. State and federal forces are working together to contain the violence and arrest those responsible.
The situation remains fluid, with further clashes reported in other areas of Michoacán, including the municipality of Uruapan, where Oxxo stores were closed due to the escalating violence.
The origins of the attacks lie in a territorial dispute between criminal organizations. Authorities have assured that those responsible for the violence will be arrested and brought to justice.
Source: La Silla Rota
