At least 8 killed in clash in Mexican drug cartel

Mexico City [Mexico], August 26: At least eight people were killed in an armed clash between members of the La FamiliaMichoacana drug cartel on Wednesday in the western Mexican state of Michoacan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection Ricardo Mejia confirmed Thursday.
The official explained that the confrontation in the municipality of Tuzantla between hitmen from the criminal group arose in the aftermath of the execution of drug lord Medardo Hernandez Vera, alias "Lalo Mantecas," a few weeks ago.
According to initial investigations, the conflict involved "El Chaparro," head of the Tuzantla and Tiquicheo area in Michoacan, and Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga, alias "El Pez," top leader of the cartel in the drug triangle of the states of Mexico, Guerrero and Michoacan.
Mejia said that the deployment of federal and state forces led to the arrest of five men and one woman, who were found to possess vehicles, weapons and drugs, and had participated in criminal acts.
Michoacan is in the midst of a wave of violence linked to clashes between criminal groups, which has led to multiple murders and an exodus of local residents.
The rupture in La FamiliaMichoacana could exacerbate violence in the region, according to experts consulted by Xinhua.
Source: Xinhua