Current:Home > Scams11 dead in clash between criminal gang and villagers in central Mexico-InfoLens
11 dead in clash between criminal gang and villagers in central Mexico
View Date:2024-12-23 12:02:11
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Eleven people were killed in a clash Friday between gunmen from a criminal gang and residents of a small farming community in central Mexico, authorities said.
Dramatic video of the fight posted on social media showed villagers in cowboy hats with scythes and hunting rifles chasing down suspected gang members amid bursts of automatic gunfire.
Police in the State of Mexico, which abuts Mexico City, said the clash occurred in the hamlet of Texcaltitlan, aommunity is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) southwest of the capital.
State police said eight of the dead were members of the criminal gang, while three were village residents. Police did not identify the gang, but the violent Familia Michoacana drug cartel has been dominant in that area for a decade.
Local media said Familia Michoacana gunmen had shown up in the village earlier demanding local farmers pay a per-acre (hectare) extorsion fee. Authorities did not immediately comment on that.
Drug cartels in Mexico have been known to extort money from almost any licit or illicit business that they can, sometimes attacking or burning ranches, farms or stores that refuse to pay.
The Familia Michoacana is known for its brazen ambushes of police as well as the the 2022 massacre of 20 townspeople in the town of Totolapan in neighboring Guerrero state. The attack killed the town’s mayor, his father and 18 other men.
veryGood! (5522)
Related
- Why Kathy Bates Decided Against Reconstruction Surgery After Double Mastectomy for Breast Cancer
- 'The Sympathizer' review: Even Robert Downey Jr. can't make the HBO show make sense
- Here's what time taxes are due on April 15
- 2 bodies found, 4 people arrested in connection to missing Kansas women in Oklahoma
- Hurricane-stricken Tampa Bay Rays to play 2025 season at Yankees’ spring training field in Tampa
- Tax pros warn against following terrible tax tips circulating on TikTok
- Taylor Swift’s Coachella Look Reveals Sweet Nod to Travis Kelce
- Opioid settlement cash being used for existing programs and salaries, sparking complaints
- How Leonardo DiCaprio Celebrated His 50th Birthday
- The key players to know in the Trump hush money trial, set to begin today
Ranking
- Record-setting dry conditions threaten more US wildfires, drinking water supplies
- 1 dead, 11 hurt in New Orleans mass shooting in city's Warehouse District
- The best (and worst) moments of Coachella Day 2, from No Doubt's reunion to T-Pain's line
- How could Iran's attack on Israel affect gas prices? What you should know
- Climate Advocacy Groups Say They’re Ready for Trump 2.0
- Justin Bieber Makes Rare Appearance During Coachella 2024 Performance
- These states have the highest property taxes. Where does yours fit in? See map.
- Trump’s history-making hush money trial starts Monday with jury selection
Recommendation
-
Deommodore Lenoir contract details: 49ers ink DB to $92 million extension
-
Kobe Bryant's widow, Vanessa, gifts sneakers to Los Angeles Dodgers
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, PTA Meeting
-
Kansas governor vetoes ban on gender-affirming care for minors, anti-abortion bills
-
The ancient practice of tai chi is more popular than ever. Why?
-
Golden retriever nicknamed 'The Dogfather' retires after fathering more than 300 guide dogs
-
Peso Pluma addresses narcocorrido culture during Coachella set, pays homage to Mexican music artists
-
Are Americans feeling like they get enough sleep? Dream on, a new Gallup poll says