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Mexico vigilantes clash with Knights Templar cartel in Michoacan | Mexico vigilantes clash with Knights Templar cartel in Michoacan |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A group of vigilantes in Mexico has seized the small town of Nueva Italia after clashing with alleged members of the Knights Templar drug cartel. | A group of vigilantes in Mexico has seized the small town of Nueva Italia after clashing with alleged members of the Knights Templar drug cartel. |
More than 100 men entered the town in western Michoacan state on Sunday morning and disarmed local police. | More than 100 men entered the town in western Michoacan state on Sunday morning and disarmed local police. |
There were exchanges of fire with alleged gang members before the vigilantes occupied the town. | There were exchanges of fire with alleged gang members before the vigilantes occupied the town. |
The vigilante group was set up by residents who say the army and the police have failed to protect them. | The vigilante group was set up by residents who say the army and the police have failed to protect them. |
The Knights Templar has been fighting the New Generation cartel, from neighbouring Jalisco state, for control of criminal activities in the area. | The Knights Templar has been fighting the New Generation cartel, from neighbouring Jalisco state, for control of criminal activities in the area. |
Vigilantes, also known as self-defence groups or community police, have been active in several Mexican states. | Vigilantes, also known as self-defence groups or community police, have been active in several Mexican states. |
In Michoacan they control several towns. A few days ago they launched an offensive, occupying the towns of Paracuaro and Antunez. | In Michoacan they control several towns. A few days ago they launched an offensive, occupying the towns of Paracuaro and Antunez. |
They say they are advancing towards Apatzingan, the alleged headquarters of the Knights Templar gang. | They say they are advancing towards Apatzingan, the alleged headquarters of the Knights Templar gang. |
Federal troops were nowhere to be seen during the invasion of Nueva Italia, according to the AP news agency. | Federal troops were nowhere to be seen during the invasion of Nueva Italia, according to the AP news agency. |
In Paracuaro, local reports say they were initially backed by the local population. | In Paracuaro, local reports say they were initially backed by the local population. |
But later, residents rioted and set fire to many of the vigilantes' vehicles in a failed attempt to expel them. | But later, residents rioted and set fire to many of the vigilantes' vehicles in a failed attempt to expel them. |
The self-defence groups have been accused of siding with the New Generation cartel. They deny any involvement. | |
Correspondents say the clashes in Michoacan will be a major challenge for President Enrique Pena Nieto, who was elected a year ago promising to boost the economy and reduce violence levels. | Correspondents say the clashes in Michoacan will be a major challenge for President Enrique Pena Nieto, who was elected a year ago promising to boost the economy and reduce violence levels. |
More than 70,000 people have died in drug related violence in the past six years. | More than 70,000 people have died in drug related violence in the past six years. |
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