Article author:
Associated Press
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Authorities have made a series of drug cartel arrests in western Mexico, apparently reacting to the destruction of vehicles and businesses in two states.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador did not identify those arrested on Tuesday in the state of Jalisco, but soldiers were accused of crimes involving "bosses" at a "meeting of two gangs". said to have confronted someone. There were gunfights, arrests, and "protests not only in Jalisco but also in Guanajuato, with vehicles on fire," he said.
Images circulating on social media showed men looting cars and buses and setting them on fire in the middle of the road. There was also a photo of his burnt-out convenience store.
Cartels often cause such chaos to prevent authorities from transferring cartel bosses.
López Obrador said authorities were still deployed in the area on Wednesday and were aiming to make further arrests.
The region is ruled by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, whose leader Nemesio Oseguela "El Mencho" is one of the most wanted by Mexican and US authorities. There was no indication that Osegera was present at the clash.
