Five officers lost their lives during ambushes and confrontations with armed civilians in the border area between Jalisco and Michoacán. The Secretary of National Defense (Sedena) reported in a statement that, following the aggression against elements of the National Guard in Chilchota and Jalisco, five officers died and four others were injured.
Sedena initiated an inter-institutional operation in Zamora, La Piedad, and Jiquilpan to locate those responsible, clearing the roads to restore order and vehicle traffic after blockades occurred with burned vehicles.
The attack in Chilchota was carried out by hitmen from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) against National Guards who were patrolling the area. The hitmen took possession of at least five vehicles to block roads between Michoacán and Jalisco, as well as in various municipalities in Michoacán.
During the confrontations, three soldiers were shot dead and several more were injured after the hitmen, hiding by the roadside, opened fire with assault rifles. The municipalities of La Barca and Ocotlán issued recommendations to residents via social media, calling on them to take shelter and remain calm.
The CJNG maintains territorial disputes with other criminal groups at the borders of Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Security authorities in Ocotlán, Jalisco, remain alert in coordination with state and federal agencies to guarantee the tranquility of the citizens.
Reports from the National Guard indicate that the initial attack occurred in San Antonio de Rivas, La Barca, followed by confrontations and chases that extended to other municipalities. Reports attribute the aggressions to Heraclio Guerrero Martínez, alias 'El Tío Laco', identified as the leader of criminal cells in the aforementioned border area.
The hitmen set vehicles on fire and blocked roads to prevent reinforcements from arriving, seizing trucks and causing damage on the Western Highway. Authorities continue to investigate the events and maintain alert in the region.
