In a shocking incident near Mexico City, a violent clash between gunmen associated with the notorious Familia Michoacana drug cartel and residents of a small farming community has left 14 people dead, with seven others sustaining injuries.
Dramatic footage circulating on social media captures the intense confrontation, depicting villagers armed with sickles and hunting rifles chasing down suspected gang members amidst bursts of automatic gunfire.
Mexico State Governor Delfina Gómez and local leaders strongly condemned the violence, attributing the incident to the escalating regional tensions that have been simmering for years.
Governor Gómez assured the public that maintaining order is a top priority and expressed determination to enhance security conditions in the state.
“This incident does not paralyze us; on the contrary, it reaffirms our determination to improve security conditions in our beloved state. Rest assured that we will continue working so that events like this are not repeated,” declared Governor Gómez during a press conference on Saturday. “You are not alone; we are with you.”
The clash unfolded in the hamlet of Texcaltitlan, approximately 80 miles southwest of Mexico City, according to police in the State of Mexico.
Out of the casualties, 10 were identified as members of the criminal gang, while four were village residents. Although the gang involved was not officially named, authorities confirmed the dominance of the violent Familia Michoacana drug cartel in the area for several years.
The video footage suggested that the attackers were clad in military-style uniforms, some even wearing helmets. Villagers reportedly set their bodies and vehicles on fire in response to the confrontation.
Reports from local media indicate that Familia Michoacana gunmen had visited the village earlier, demanding local farmers pay an extortion fee per acre.
Authorities have not yet commented on this specific detail. Drug cartels in Mexico are known for extorting money from various businesses, both licit and illicit, often resorting to violence against those who refuse to comply.
Familia Michoacana, infamous for its audacious ambushes of law enforcement, gained notoriety for the 2022 massacre in Totolapan, where 20 townspeople were killed, including the town’s mayor, his father, and 18 other men.
Inputs from ABC News.