Colombian authorities seized over 3.1 tons of cocaine hydrochloride during a major anti-narcotics operation in the Caribbean Sea. The Colombian Navy intercepted a speedboat carrying five suspects and confiscated cocaine worth more than $120 million, believed to be destined for Central America. Officials say the operation deals a major blow to transnational drug trafficking networks operating across the region.

Colombia seizes 3.1 tons of cocaine worth $120 million | major Caribbean drug bust

Colombia seizes 3.1 tons of cocaine worth $120 million | Major Caribbean drug bust

A mayor of a town in southern Mexico was shot dead in an armed attack in a region affected by ongoing cartel violence, local authorities said on Saturday.&nbsp;Joel Bravo, the mayor of San Miguel Amatitlan, a town with a population of nearly 7,000 people, was killed in the attack, according to prosecutors in Oaxaca state. Authorities did not provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.&nbsp;Reacting to the killing, Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara condemned the attack and said, "In Oaxaca, we will not allow violence to prevail over the law or over the will of our communities."&nbsp;Following the incident, prosecutors said security measures had been strengthened in the area. Police presence has been increased, and a tactical team has been deployed alongside federal forces to identify and capture those responsible for the attack.&nbsp;Oaxaca, a Pacific coast state in southern Mexico, has witnessed criminal activity linked to major drug trafficking organisations. The Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel are both known to operate in the region.&nbsp;Violence targeting local government officials continues to be a serious concern in several parts of Mexico, particularly in rural areas where organised crime groups maintain significant influence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/araghchi-faces-backlash-over-us-iran-peace-deal-as-protesters-gather-outside-foreign-ministry-office-1781387258321">Araghchi faces backlash over US-Iran peace deal as protesters gather outside Foreign Ministry office</a>&nbsp;Last month, Mario Hernandez Garcia, the mayor of Santiago Amoltepec, another town in Oaxaca, was killed in an attack that also claimed the lives of two other people.&nbsp;According to figures released by the non-governmental organisation Causa en Comun, at least 60 politicians or lawmakers were victims of targeted killings last year.&nbsp;The country has recorded nearly 100 assassinations of mayors since 2006, when drug-related violence escalated sharply across Mexico.

Targeted attacks on public officials remain a major concern in Mexico, with at least 60 politicians killed last year and nearly 100 mayors assassinated since 2006.

A mayor of a town in southern Mexico was shot dead in an armed attack in a region affected by ongoing cartel violence, local authorities said on Saturday. Joel Bravo, the mayor of San Miguel Amatitlan, a town with a population of nearly 7,000 people, was killed in the attack, according to prosecutors in Oaxaca state. Authorities did not provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Reacting to the killing, Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara condemned the attack and said, "In Oaxaca, we will not allow violence to prevail over the law or over the will of our communities." Following the incident, prosecutors said security measures had been strengthened in the area. Police presence has been increased, and a tactical team has been deployed alongside federal forces to identify and capture those responsible for the attack. Oaxaca, a Pacific coast state in southern Mexico, has witnessed criminal activity linked to major drug trafficking organisations. The Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel are both known to operate in the region. Violence targeting local government officials continues to be a serious concern in several parts of Mexico, particularly in rural areas where organised crime groups maintain significant influence. Also Read: Araghchi faces backlash over US-Iran peace deal as protesters gather outside Foreign Ministry office Last month, Mario Hernandez Garcia, the mayor of Santiago Amoltepec, another town in Oaxaca, was killed in an attack that also claimed the lives of two other people. According to figures released by the non-governmental organisation Causa en Comun, at least 60 politicians or lawmakers were victims of targeted killings last year. The country has recorded nearly 100 assassinations of mayors since 2006, when drug-related violence escalated sharply across Mexico.

Targeted attacks on public officials remain a major concern in Mexico, with at least 60 politicians killed last year and nearly 100 mayors assassinated since 2006.

Mexico mayor Joel Bravo killed weeks after another Oaxaca mayor was slain in cartel violence

Mexico’s most-wanted drug cartel boss, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, was killed in a high-profile military raid, sparking nationwide chaos. Following the operation, cartel henchmen torched cars, blocked highways, and attacked businesses across multiple states, including Puerto Vallarta, leaving residents and tourists alarmed. The Mexican military conducted the raid with support from U.S. intelligence, delivering a significant blow to organized crime. Stay updated with live coverage, videos, and expert analysis on the aftermath of El Mencho’s death, the nationwide violence, and Mexico’s ongoing efforts to combat drug cartels.


Mexico Cartel Boss El Mencho Killed; President Urges Calm as Violence Spreads

US President Donald Trump’s administration has officially declared Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), effective Monday (Nov 24), as the US government ramps up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Washington claims that the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel to fuel violence and drug trafficking across the region. But is Cartel de los Soles even a ‘cartel’?In a statement, the US Department of State said, “Based in Venezuela, the Cartel de los Soles is headed by Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary. Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela’s legitimate government. Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe.”<h2>What is Cartel de los Soles?</h2>The entity Cartel de los Soles is not actually a cartel per se. The term is rather used to describe military officers and other officials involved in corruption and other illegal activities in the country.The term Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns, started being used in Venezuela in the 1990s to refer to senior military officials who became rich from drug-running. As the corruption spread in the country under late President Hugo Chavez and then under Maduro, the term was associated with police and government officials, and also activities like illegal mining and fuel trafficking. The “suns” in the name refer to the epaulettes attached to the uniforms of high-ranking officers in the military.The term was then used to describe a Maduro-led drug-trafficking organisation in 2020, when the US Justice Department announced the indictment of the Venezuelan president and his inner circle over charges including narcoterrorism.“It is not a group,” said Adam Isaacson, director for defence oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America organisation. “It’s not like a group that people would ever identify themselves as members. They don’t have regular meetings. They don’t have a hierarchy.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-launch-new-phase-of-venezuela-operation-several-airlines-cancel-flights-after-us-warning-1763886961576">Trump to launch new phase of Venezuela operation? Several airlines cancel flights after US warning</a><h2>US to launch operations in Venezuela?</h2>This comes amid reports that the US is set to launch a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days as US President Donald Trump’s administration escalates pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government. Earlier, the two leaders said that they were ready to talk with each other “face to face”. However, the US president said that he will not “rule out” the presence of the US military in the archipelago.The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading a “terrorist” drug cartel – an accusation he denies. Despite the mounting criticism over the mounting civilian toll in the US strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, Washington has maintained that it is defending itself against “narco-terrorists”.US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said last week that the designation of Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation will provide a “whole bunch of new options to the United States” for dealing with Maduro, without providing further details.“So nothing is off the table, but nothing’s automatically on the table,” he said.Earlier this month, the US Navy positioned its largest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, in the Caribbean with its strike group. At least seven other warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft have also been stationed.

This comes amid reports that the US is set to launch a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days as US President Donald Trump’s administration escalates pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has officially declared Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), effective Monday (Nov 24), as the US government ramps up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Washington claims that the group, which it says is tied directly to Maduro and other senior officials, works with known outfits like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel to fuel violence and drug trafficking across the region. But is Cartel de los Soles even a ‘cartel’? In a statement, the US Department of State said, “Based in Venezuela, the Cartel de los Soles is headed by Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime who have corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary. Neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuela’s legitimate government. Cartel de los Soles by and with other designated FTOs including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe.” What is Cartel de los Soles? The entity Cartel de los Soles is not actually a cartel per se. The term is rather used to describe military officers and other officials involved in corruption and other illegal activities in the country. The term Cartel de los Soles, or Cartel of the Suns, started being used in Venezuela in the 1990s to refer to senior military officials who became rich from drug-running. As the corruption spread in the country under late President Hugo Chavez and then under Maduro, the term was associated with police and government officials, and also activities like illegal mining and fuel trafficking. The “suns” in the name refer to the epaulettes attached to the uniforms of high-ranking officers in the military. The term was then used to describe a Maduro-led drug-trafficking organisation in 2020, when the US Justice Department announced the indictment of the Venezuelan president and his inner circle over charges including narcoterrorism. “It is not a group,” said Adam Isaacson, director for defence oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America organisation. “It’s not like a group that people would ever identify themselves as members. They don’t have regular meetings. They don’t have a hierarchy.” Also read | Trump to launch new phase of Venezuela operation? Several airlines cancel flights after US warning US to launch operations in Venezuela? This comes amid reports that the US is set to launch a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days as US President Donald Trump’s administration escalates pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government. Earlier, the two leaders said that they were ready to talk with each other “face to face”. However, the US president said that he will not “rule out” the presence of the US military in the archipelago. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading a “terrorist” drug cartel – an accusation he denies. Despite the mounting criticism over the mounting civilian toll in the US strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, Washington has maintained that it is defending itself against “narco-terrorists”. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said last week that the designation of Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation will provide a “whole bunch of new options to the United States” for dealing with Maduro, without providing further details. “So nothing is off the table, but nothing’s automatically on the table,” he said. Earlier this month, the US Navy positioned its largest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, in the Caribbean with its strike group. At least seven other warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft have also been stationed.

This comes amid reports that the US is set to launch a new phase of operations related to Venezuela in the coming days as US President Donald Trump’s administration escalates pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government.

US formally lists Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles as ‘foreign terrorist organisation’ – Is it even a ‘cartel’?

#Gravitas Belgium is reportedly sliding towards becoming a narco-state, as powerful drug cartels infiltrate the police, judiciary, and political system. An anonymous investigating judge in Antwerp has issued a chilling warning through an open letter on Belgium’s official judiciary website, alleging deep corruption and criminal influence at every level. The revelation raises fears that Europe’s key port hub could be losing its battle against organised crime.

Belgium On The Brink Of A ‘Narco State’ As Drug Cartels Infiltrate Police And Judiciary

President Trump announced that U.S. forces executed a precision strike on a drug-smuggling vessel linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua cartel. The operation, part of an intensified anti-cartel campaign, resulted in the vessel being destroyed in international waters, killing 11 Narcoterrorists.

Trump announces U.S. Forces killed 11 Narco-terrorists linked to Maduro 

The U.S. imposed sanctions Thursday on senior members of the armed wing of a Mexican drug cartel that operates on border territories in and around Chihuahua, Mexico. The cartel has also been linked to the 2019 ambush that killed nine Americans in Mexico.

Mexico: Gulf Drug Cartel Behind US Illegal Fishing

U.S. authorities and fishermen have complained for years about illegal fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Now US says it’s clear who is behind the lucrative trade. Watch to know more!

US Says Drug Cartel Behind Longstanding Problem Of Illegal Fishing In Gulf Of Mexico | World News

Genaro Garcia Luna, a former top security official who was given the responsibility to dismantle the drug cartels in Mexico, was sentenced to more than 38 years in a US prison on Wednesday for instead enabling them. The sentence was announced by the US district judge Brian Cogan at a hearing in Brooklyn federal court.

Garcia Luna was Mexico’s public security minister from 2006 to 2012.

The 56-year-old was convicted in New York last year for taking millions of dollars in bribes to let the Sinaloa Cartel smuggle cocaine. He was found guilty of five criminal counts in February 2023, including engaging in a criminal drug enterprise, taking part in various conspiracies and making false statements.

The Sinaloa cartel was once led by Joaquin Guzman Loera, better known as El Chapo. Prosecutors, representing the US Justice Department, accused him of using his office to protect Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa cartel. Garcia took money from the cartel in exchange for shielding its members from arrest and protecting its cocaine shipments.

“Today’s sentencing of Genaro Garcia Luna is a critical step in upholding justice and the rule of law,” United States Attorney Breon Peace said in a press release.

Judge Cogan credited him for teaching fellow inmates at Brooklyn’s metropolitan detention centre, but stated he lived a "double life" and the harm he caused outweighed his good deeds.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-200-kg-cocaine-worth-238-million-seized-in-delhi-days-after-667mn-bust-766401">India: 200 kg cocaine worth $238 million seized in Delhi, days after $667 million drug bust</a>

“Aside from your very pleasant demeanour and your articulateness, you have the same kind of thuggishness as El Chapo, it just manifests itself differently,” Cogan said.

<h2>Garcia Luna alleges&nbsp;smear campaign</h2>

Prosecutors had urged a life sentence for him, but his defence lawyers suggested that he should not be given a longer sentence than the mandatory minimum of 20 years since he has already spent nearly five years in jail after being arrested in 2019.

They further argued that the former Sinaloa cartel members who testified against Garcia Luna falsely implicated him so that they could get their own sentences reduced.

Meanwhile, before being told about the sentence, Garcia Luna said in court that he "did not commit any of these crimes" and that Mexico's government and criminal groups had smeared him.&nbsp;

Notorious drug dealer El Chapo is currently at a Colorado maximum security prison where he is serving a life sentence.

Genaro Garcia Luna, a former top security official who was given the responsibility to dismantle the drug cartels in Mexico, was sentenced to more than 38 years in a US prison on Wednesday for instead enabling them.

Genaro Garcia Luna, a former top security official who was given the responsibility to dismantle the drug cartels in Mexico, was sentenced to more than 38 years in a US prison on Wednesday for instead enabling them. The sentence was announced by the US district judge Brian Cogan at a hearing in Brooklyn federal court. Garcia Luna was Mexico’s public security minister from 2006 to 2012. The 56-year-old was convicted in New York last year for taking millions of dollars in bribes to let the Sinaloa Cartel smuggle cocaine. He was found guilty of five criminal counts in February 2023, including engaging in a criminal drug enterprise, taking part in various conspiracies and making false statements. The Sinaloa cartel was once led by Joaquin Guzman Loera, better known as El Chapo. Prosecutors, representing the US Justice Department, accused him of using his office to protect Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa cartel. Garcia took money from the cartel in exchange for shielding its members from arrest and protecting its cocaine shipments. “Today’s sentencing of Genaro Garcia Luna is a critical step in upholding justice and the rule of law,” United States Attorney Breon Peace said in a press release. Judge Cogan credited him for teaching fellow inmates at Brooklyn’s metropolitan detention centre, but stated he lived a "double life" and the harm he caused outweighed his good deeds. Also Read: India: 200 kg cocaine worth $238 million seized in Delhi, days after $667 million drug bust “Aside from your very pleasant demeanour and your articulateness, you have the same kind of thuggishness as El Chapo, it just manifests itself differently,” Cogan said. Garcia Luna alleges smear campaign Prosecutors had urged a life sentence for him, but his defence lawyers suggested that he should not be given a longer sentence than the mandatory minimum of 20 years since he has already spent nearly five years in jail after being arrested in 2019. They further argued that the former Sinaloa cartel members who testified against Garcia Luna falsely implicated him so that they could get their own sentences reduced. Meanwhile, before being told about the sentence, Garcia Luna said in court that he "did not commit any of these crimes" and that Mexico's government and criminal groups had smeared him. Notorious drug dealer El Chapo is currently at a Colorado maximum security prison where he is serving a life sentence.

Mexican official to spend nearly 460 months in jail for helping Sinaloa drug cartel

Guests at a five-star resort in Cancun, Mexico were shocked to see a murder on the beach when four assassins stormed the scene. Four armed men fired several shots at a 30-year-old Mexican national on Wednesday morning outside Hotel Riu.&nbsp;

Turquesa News reported that the guests started scrambling for safety as the horrific scene unfolded in front of their eyes. Two of the killers fled on jet skis while the other two ran away on foot.&nbsp;

The outlet reported that the man murdered was reportedly in charge of the jet skis the suspects used to flee.&nbsp;

The hotel's guests were left panicking, with videos showing them running inside the lobby. They were seen waiting for further instructions following the scary episode.

Law enforcement officials believe that the killing might be linked to drug trafficking and cartel-related crimes. The victim wasn't linked to the hotel in any way, the resort confirmed in a statement.&nbsp;

Hotel Riu said that he was neither a guest nor an employee at their hotel, Riviera Maya News reported.

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The deceased has not been identified by the police yet. However, died before he could be taken away to a hospital.&nbsp;

One of the shooters ran through the beach area of another hotel next to Riu.&nbsp;

The US State Department advises people travelling to Mexico to exercise increased caution. "While Mexican authorities endeavour to safeguard the country’s major resort areas and tourist destinations, those areas have not been immune to the types of violence and crime experienced elsewhere in Mexico," it says in the advisory.&nbsp;

"Increased levels of cartel-related violence have resulted in territorial disputes and targeted killings, injuring or killing innocent bystanders."

Two months back, a 12-year-old boy fell victim to a cartel shooting when gunmen riding jet skis opened fire on rivals on a beach in Cancún. He was hit by multiple stray bullets.

Guests at a five-star resort in Cancun, Mexico were shocked to see a murder on the beach when four assassins stormed the scene. Four armed men fired several shots at a 30-year-old Mexican national on Wednesday morning outside Hotel Riu.

Guests at a five-star resort in Cancun, Mexico were shocked to see a murder on the beach when four assassins stormed the scene. Four armed men fired several shots at a 30-year-old Mexican national on Wednesday morning outside Hotel Riu. Turquesa News reported that the guests started scrambling for safety as the horrific scene unfolded in front of their eyes. Two of the killers fled on jet skis while the other two ran away on foot. The outlet reported that the man murdered was reportedly in charge of the jet skis the suspects used to flee. The hotel's guests were left panicking, with videos showing them running inside the lobby. They were seen waiting for further instructions following the scary episode. Law enforcement officials believe that the killing might be linked to drug trafficking and cartel-related crimes. The victim wasn't linked to the hotel in any way, the resort confirmed in a statement. Hotel Riu said that he was neither a guest nor an employee at their hotel, Riviera Maya News reported. Also Read: Captain became food for sailors of ill-fated ships stuck in Arctic 180 years ago The deceased has not been identified by the police yet. However, died before he could be taken away to a hospital. One of the shooters ran through the beach area of another hotel next to Riu. The US State Department advises people travelling to Mexico to exercise increased caution. "While Mexican authorities endeavour to safeguard the country’s major resort areas and tourist destinations, those areas have not been immune to the types of violence and crime experienced elsewhere in Mexico," it says in the advisory. "Increased levels of cartel-related violence have resulted in territorial disputes and targeted killings, injuring or killing innocent bystanders." Two months back, a 12-year-old boy fell victim to a cartel shooting when gunmen riding jet skis opened fire on rivals on a beach in Cancún. He was hit by multiple stray bullets.

Assassins storm Cancun resort beach, gun down man before fleeing on jet skis

The police in one of Mexico’s largest cities were witness to a gruesome sight as they found seven dead bodies inside a car on a busy street, each with “hand-written messages” detailing why they were killed.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the incident</h2>

According to the prosecutors in the central state of Puebla, Mexico, out of the seven bodies found, five were decapitated, and another was completely dismembered.&nbsp;

The car, inside which the bodies were found, was reportedly left in the middle of traffic on a main expressway in the city of Puebla, on Friday (Apr 5).

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“On each of the bodies, we found hand-written messages written on paper, each one detailing the reason they were killed,” said Puebla state chief prosecutor Gilberto Higuera.

However, he did not mention whether the deaths might be related to drug cartels but said that the car was stolen.&nbsp;

Higuera added that the incident was “not only a dispute (between gangs) but also something related to dominance over certain people, aimed at not only domination, but recruitment.”&nbsp;

The police came to know about the car as it was blocking the traffic on the city’s main ring road.&nbsp;

Notably, while drug cartel murders are common, these grisly killings have garnered attention as they occurred in the relatively affluent city of Puebla.&nbsp;

Puebla is Mexico’s fifth largest city and witnesses relatively less drug cartel-related violence. However, it is not entirely spared, as the state has witnessed 200 murders in the first three months of this year, according to the data from Puebla state prosecutor’s office.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexicos-president-mourns-killing-of-two-local-candidates-ahead-of-general-elections-707037">Mexico president mourns killing of two local candidates ahead of general elections&nbsp;</a>

It is also not uncommon for some cartels in Mexico, when they seek to establish a territory as their own to kill rivals, petty thieves or drug dealers, and leave a message telling the locals that such activities will not be tolerated under their rule.&nbsp;

<h2>Two local candidates killed ahead of elections</h2>

Earlier this month, a mayoral and a city council candidate in the Mexican city of Celaya were killed ahead of the country’s general elections which have been marred by violence.&nbsp;

Bertha Gisela Gaytán, a mayoral candidate for Celaya, was killed in a shooting on April 1, hours after she requested protection, while city council candidate Adrián Guerrero, who was wounded during the same attack, died the next day.&nbsp;

At least 14 candidates have been killed since the beginning of this year and ahead of the June 2 elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The police in one of Mexico’s largest cities were witness to a gruesome sight as they found seven dead bodies inside a car on a busy street, each with “hand-written messages” detailing why they were killed.

The police in one of Mexico’s largest cities were witness to a gruesome sight as they found seven dead bodies inside a car on a busy street, each with “hand-written messages” detailing why they were killed. What we know about the incident According to the prosecutors in the central state of Puebla, Mexico, out of the seven bodies found, five were decapitated, and another was completely dismembered. The car, inside which the bodies were found, was reportedly left in the middle of traffic on a main expressway in the city of Puebla, on Friday (Apr 5). Also Read | Mexico's diplomatic staff leave Ecuador as Latin American nations, UN chief condemn embassy raid “On each of the bodies, we found hand-written messages written on paper, each one detailing the reason they were killed,” said Puebla state chief prosecutor Gilberto Higuera. However, he did not mention whether the deaths might be related to drug cartels but said that the car was stolen. Higuera added that the incident was “not only a dispute (between gangs) but also something related to dominance over certain people, aimed at not only domination, but recruitment.” The police came to know about the car as it was blocking the traffic on the city’s main ring road. Notably, while drug cartel murders are common, these grisly killings have garnered attention as they occurred in the relatively affluent city of Puebla. Puebla is Mexico’s fifth largest city and witnesses relatively less drug cartel-related violence. However, it is not entirely spared, as the state has witnessed 200 murders in the first three months of this year, according to the data from Puebla state prosecutor’s office. Also Read | Mexico president mourns killing of two local candidates ahead of general elections It is also not uncommon for some cartels in Mexico, when they seek to establish a territory as their own to kill rivals, petty thieves or drug dealers, and leave a message telling the locals that such activities will not be tolerated under their rule. Two local candidates killed ahead of elections Earlier this month, a mayoral and a city council candidate in the Mexican city of Celaya were killed ahead of the country’s general elections which have been marred by violence. Bertha Gisela Gaytán, a mayoral candidate for Celaya, was killed in a shooting on April 1, hours after she requested protection, while city council candidate Adrián Guerrero, who was wounded during the same attack, died the next day. At least 14 candidates have been killed since the beginning of this year and ahead of the June 2 elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico: Police find 7 bodies, 5 of them decapitated, with ‘handwritten messages’ inside car

An “unprecedented” explosives attack by suspected gang members left six police officers dead and 10 injured in Mexico’s western Jalisco state.

State Governor Enrique Alfaro condemned the incident on Twitter, saying that the police officers and staff from the state prosecutor's office “suffered a cowardly attack with explosive devices, which preliminarily caused the death of three colleagues from the municipal police and the Prosecutor's Office.”

"This is an unprecedented event that shows what these organized crime groups are capable of. This attack also represents a challenge against the Mexican state as a whole,” the governor said.

The death toll was later revised to six.&nbsp;

Alfaro said that Jalisco's security cabinet was "in permanent session" to investigate the attack, and that they are finding out which gang was responsible.

The authorities were informed of the attack after 8 pm (local time) on Tuesday, with local media reporting that a vehicle was on fire with five people inside in Tlajomulco de Zuniga, a suburb of the city of Guadalajara, AFP news agency reported quoting police sources.

Local TB network Televisa reported that the blast occurred near a vehicle in which the security officials were travelling.

<h2>Jalisco New Generation cartel behind attack?&nbsp;</h2>

Even though no gang members have been named so far, it is widely believed that Jalisco New Generation cartel, which the US Department of Justice has called "one of the five most dangerous transnational criminal organizations in the world", may be responsible.

This drug cartel group is said to have influence in large part of the country and is currently embroiled in disputes with other drug syndicates.

A probe is currently underway to find whether a grenade or homemade mine was used, police said.

It is being further reported that the Jalisco New Generation cartel has used the latter device in the western state of Michoacan.

Most of the members or associates of the Jalisco cartel were sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in April.

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They are widely known for producing millions of doses of deadly fentanyl and smuggling them into the United States disguised to look like Xanax, Percocet or oxycodone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/23-trillion-plus-counting-will-chinas-surging-local-government-debt-crisis-affect-its-global-ambitions-614796">Will China's surging local government debt crisis affect its global ambitions?</a>

Such pills cause about 70,000 overdose deaths per year in the United States, AFP news agency reported.

Their leader, Nemesio Oseguera, "El Mencho," is among the most sought by Mexican and US authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An “unprecedented” explosives attack by suspected gang members left six police officers dead and 10 injured in Mexico’s western Jalisco state. State Governor Enrique Alfaro condemned the incident on Twitter, saying that the police officers and staff from the state prosecutor's office “suffered a cowardly attack with explosive devices, which preliminarily caused the death of three colleagues from the municipal police and the Prosecutor's Office.

An “unprecedented” explosives attack by suspected gang members left six police officers dead and 10 injured in Mexico’s western Jalisco state. State Governor Enrique Alfaro condemned the incident on Twitter, saying that the police officers and staff from the state prosecutor's office “suffered a cowardly attack with explosive devices, which preliminarily caused the death of three colleagues from the municipal police and the Prosecutor's Office.” "This is an unprecedented event that shows what these organized crime groups are capable of. This attack also represents a challenge against the Mexican state as a whole,” the governor said. The death toll was later revised to six. Alfaro said that Jalisco's security cabinet was "in permanent session" to investigate the attack, and that they are finding out which gang was responsible. The authorities were informed of the attack after 8 pm (local time) on Tuesday, with local media reporting that a vehicle was on fire with five people inside in Tlajomulco de Zuniga, a suburb of the city of Guadalajara, AFP news agency reported quoting police sources. Local TB network Televisa reported that the blast occurred near a vehicle in which the security officials were travelling. Jalisco New Generation cartel behind attack? Even though no gang members have been named so far, it is widely believed that Jalisco New Generation cartel, which the US Department of Justice has called "one of the five most dangerous transnational criminal organizations in the world", may be responsible. This drug cartel group is said to have influence in large part of the country and is currently embroiled in disputes with other drug syndicates. A probe is currently underway to find whether a grenade or homemade mine was used, police said. It is being further reported that the Jalisco New Generation cartel has used the latter device in the western state of Michoacan. Most of the members or associates of the Jalisco cartel were sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in April. Also read | NATO membership row: Zelensky tones down criticism, but issues warning They are widely known for producing millions of doses of deadly fentanyl and smuggling them into the United States disguised to look like Xanax, Percocet or oxycodone. Also read | Will China's surging local government debt crisis affect its global ambitions? Such pills cause about 70,000 overdose deaths per year in the United States, AFP news agency reported. Their leader, Nemesio Oseguera, "El Mencho," is among the most sought by Mexican and US authorities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Six Mexican police officers killed, 10 injured in suspected explosives attack by drug cartel

The stranded dynamics between China and America are fuelling an epidemic of drugs in America. The network is growing, and China continues to deny these allegations. What is this drug cartel? Who is funding it? What role does Mexico have to play? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Chinese banks help drug cartels in US

Gunmen ambushed a military unit in southwest Mexico on Friday (March 17), resulting in the killing of two soldiers and at least five suspected criminals, according to police. The shootout caused further casualties.&nbsp;

The altercation happened on Friday afternoon in the town of El Pescado, which is located in the state of Guerrero's mountainous region and is a frequent site of clashes between criminal groups.

A military unit "was the target of an attack by approximately 18 armed civilians aboard two vehicles," after which a shootout started, according to an army report, as per AFP.&nbsp;

Five gunmen and two soldiers were killed while two people sustained&nbsp;gunshot wounds.

The attackers were reportedly members of La Familia Michoacana, one of Mexico's most prominent drug cartels, that saw a significant decline in power with the detention of its leaders, according to local authorities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-president-obrador-holds-massive-rally-ahead-of-2024-elections-573468">Mexico: President Obrador holds massive rally ahead of 2024 elections</a>

The cartel has been restructuring while taking part in many violent incidents.&nbsp;

The criminal organisation Los Tequileros is allegedly competing with La Familia Michoacana for dominance of the region where they conduct kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Years of conflict between drug cartels fighting for control of the cultivation of marijuana and opium as well as drug trafficking have devastated Guerrero, one of Mexico's poorest states.&nbsp;

Since the government sent the army to fight the drug cartels in 2006, more than 350,000 people have died across Mexico in a wave of violence, according to official figures.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Gunmen ambushed a military unit in southwest Mexico on Friday (March 17), resulting in the killing of two soldiers and at least five suspected criminals, according to police.

Gunmen ambushed a military unit in southwest Mexico on Friday (March 17), resulting in the killing of two soldiers and at least five suspected criminals, according to police. The shootout caused further casualties. The altercation happened on Friday afternoon in the town of El Pescado, which is located in the state of Guerrero's mountainous region and is a frequent site of clashes between criminal groups. A military unit "was the target of an attack by approximately 18 armed civilians aboard two vehicles," after which a shootout started, according to an army report, as per AFP. Five gunmen and two soldiers were killed while two people sustained gunshot wounds. The attackers were reportedly members of La Familia Michoacana, one of Mexico's most prominent drug cartels, that saw a significant decline in power with the detention of its leaders, according to local authorities. ALSO READ | Mexico: President Obrador holds massive rally ahead of 2024 elections The cartel has been restructuring while taking part in many violent incidents. The criminal organisation Los Tequileros is allegedly competing with La Familia Michoacana for dominance of the region where they conduct kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking. Years of conflict between drug cartels fighting for control of the cultivation of marijuana and opium as well as drug trafficking have devastated Guerrero, one of Mexico's poorest states. Since the government sent the army to fight the drug cartels in 2006, more than 350,000 people have died across Mexico in a wave of violence, according to official figures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mexico shootout: Seven die after gunmen ambush soldiers

The home of a Vincent Van Gogh-loving mobster in Italy housed a large stash of weapons, enough to set a town on fire. Italian police announced on Thursday they had seized a big stash of weapons from one of the homes of Raffaele Imperiale, a mafia boss arrested in Dubai in 2021 and extradited to Italy in 2022.&nbsp;

<h2>Italy's Van Gogh-loving mafia boss: What all weapons were seized?</h2>

According to a statement by the Naples prosecutor's office, police found more than 80 weapons hidden under the garage floor of Imperiale's house, including three Kalashnikov rifles, a grenade, and 5,067 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.

<h2>When Raffaele Imperiale's love for Van Gogh made headlines</h2>

In 2016, police recovered two Van Gogh paintings, stolen from an Amsterdam museum in 2002, from one of Imperiale's properties near Naples. These two paintings were 'Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen' and 'View of the Sea at Scheveningen'.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-mobster-matteo-messina-denaro-nabbed-ending-a-30-year-manhunt-553117">Italian mobster Matteo Messina Denaro nabbed, ending a 30-year manhunt</a>

Each was worth an estimated 50 million euros ($58 million). Until his arrest in 2021, he was on the list of the most wanted fugitives in Italy.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Raffaele Imperiale?</h2>

Imperiale is widely reported to be a key figure in international drug trafficking and money laundering. He is cited to have a close relationship with the Camorra mafia centred around Naples.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Italy's most wanted mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro arrested in Palermo

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According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Imperiale had been the part of one of the world’s largest drug cartels, with a virtual monopoly on the Peruvian cocaine trade and control on around one-third of the cocaine trade in Europe.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The home of a Vincent Van Gogh-loving mobster in Italy housed a large stash of weapons, enough to set a town on fire. Italian police announced on Thursday they had seized a big stash of weapons from one of the homes of Raffaele Imperiale, a mafia boss arrested in Dubai in 2021 and extradited to Italy in 2022.

The home of a Vincent Van Gogh-loving mobster in Italy housed a large stash of weapons, enough to set a town on fire. Italian police announced on Thursday they had seized a big stash of weapons from one of the homes of Raffaele Imperiale, a mafia boss arrested in Dubai in 2021 and extradited to Italy in 2022. Italy's Van Gogh-loving mafia boss: What all weapons were seized? According to a statement by the Naples prosecutor's office, police found more than 80 weapons hidden under the garage floor of Imperiale's house, including three Kalashnikov rifles, a grenade, and 5,067 rounds of ammunition of various calibres. When Raffaele Imperiale's love for Van Gogh made headlines In 2016, police recovered two Van Gogh paintings, stolen from an Amsterdam museum in 2002, from one of Imperiale's properties near Naples. These two paintings were 'Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen' and 'View of the Sea at Scheveningen'. ALSO READ | Italian mobster Matteo Messina Denaro nabbed, ending a 30-year manhunt Each was worth an estimated 50 million euros ($58 million). Until his arrest in 2021, he was on the list of the most wanted fugitives in Italy. Who is Raffaele Imperiale? Imperiale is widely reported to be a key figure in international drug trafficking and money laundering. He is cited to have a close relationship with the Camorra mafia centred around Naples. ALSO WATCH | Italy's most wanted mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro arrested in Palermo × According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Imperiale had been the part of one of the world’s largest drug cartels, with a virtual monopoly on the Peruvian cocaine trade and control on around one-third of the cocaine trade in Europe. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italy: Van Gogh-loving mobster's home housed huge stash of weapons

Violence has gripped Mexico's Sinaloa after the security forces captured the drug cartel leader El Chapo's son. The arrest comes after three years of failed operation to detain him.

WION Dispatch: Deadly riot engulfs in Mexico's Sinaloa, son of drug lord 'El Chapo' arrested

A dog has helped authorities to find 53 bags of human remains found scattered around a clandestine graveyard in a Mexican region, which was once riddled with cartel gang violence.

In late October, residents of Irapuato town in Guanajuato state witnessed a dog carrying a human hand in its mouth.

Since then, an NGO group and&nbsp;forensic experts have been converging at the grave to exhume more bodies.

"While people from all over the world were celebrating the Cervantino festival, we were digging up bodies, and at the same time I thought it was useless because they were burying more people elsewhere," Mendoza, founder of a women's collective searching for missing persons, told AFP news agency.

The search comes in the wake of recent gang violence plaguing Guanajuato, an industrial hub home to factories of foreign auto giants. Around 300 victims of violence have been found dead in similar circumstances in recent months.

According to official data, people feel most unsafe in Irapuato among the Mexican municipalities.

Guanajuato, and its adjoining places, have seen a rise in cartel turf wars. From January to September this year, the region has witnessed more than 2,400 murders —almost 10 per cent of the national total.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-actor-who-removed-hijab-in-video-media-535887">Iran arrests prominent actresses for supporting anti-hijab protests</a>

Nearly 3,000 more people disappeared in the same period, reports AFP news agency.

Reports say that the violence for the turf is primarily between the Jalisco New Generation and Santa Rosa de Lima cartels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-supreme-leader-khamenei-warns-foreign-enemies-may-target-workers-as-protests-over-dress-code-rage-535792">Iran's supreme leader Khamenei warns 'foreign enemies' may target workers as protests rage</a>

And for them, Guanajuato is an important drug corridor, along with other routes between Pacific ports and the United States, security expert David Saucedo told the news agency.

“It's part of the fentanyl and cocaine routes," he was quoted as saying.

Though there has been a rise in the crackdown against the drug cartels, the state government has been unsuccessful to rein them in.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A dog has helped authorities to find 53 bags of human remains found scattered around a clandestine graveyard in a Mexican region, which was once riddled with cartel gang violence.

A dog has helped authorities to find 53 bags of human remains found scattered around a clandestine graveyard in a Mexican region, which was once riddled with cartel gang violence. In late October, residents of Irapuato town in Guanajuato state witnessed a dog carrying a human hand in its mouth. Since then, an NGO group and forensic experts have been converging at the grave to exhume more bodies. "While people from all over the world were celebrating the Cervantino festival, we were digging up bodies, and at the same time I thought it was useless because they were burying more people elsewhere," Mendoza, founder of a women's collective searching for missing persons, told AFP news agency. The search comes in the wake of recent gang violence plaguing Guanajuato, an industrial hub home to factories of foreign auto giants. Around 300 victims of violence have been found dead in similar circumstances in recent months. According to official data, people feel most unsafe in Irapuato among the Mexican municipalities. Guanajuato, and its adjoining places, have seen a rise in cartel turf wars. From January to September this year, the region has witnessed more than 2,400 murders —almost 10 per cent of the national total. Also read | Iran arrests prominent actresses for supporting anti-hijab protests Nearly 3,000 more people disappeared in the same period, reports AFP news agency. Reports say that the violence for the turf is primarily between the Jalisco New Generation and Santa Rosa de Lima cartels. Also read | Iran's supreme leader Khamenei warns 'foreign enemies' may target workers as protests rage And for them, Guanajuato is an important drug corridor, along with other routes between Pacific ports and the United States, security expert David Saucedo told the news agency. “It's part of the fentanyl and cocaine routes," he was quoted as saying. Though there has been a rise in the crackdown against the drug cartels, the state government has been unsuccessful to rein them in. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

How a dog helped Mexican authorities find unclaimed bodies

A monkey wearing a bullet-proof vest and body armour was found dead after a shootout between police and a drug cartel. It was not fully clear what was the bullet-proof vest clad monkey, even wearing a diaper, was doing at the site of the shootout but police suspect that it belonged to a member of the drug cartel.

As reported by the Associated Press, state authorities in Mexico later confirmed news of the shootout and death of the monkey.

The shootout took place in Texcaltitlan, a town 63 miles southwest of Mexico City.

“A primate was killed at the scene, which was presumably owned by a criminal who was also killed at the scene,” said state prosecutors in a statement.

“An autopsy will be carried out on the animal by a veterinarian specialised in the species”, the State of Mexico added.

Drug cartels are a major issue in Mexico. Members of these cartels are often well-armed smugglers. These cartels even have political and financial influence. Police in Mexico face huge challenges while trying to control the drugs trade.

In the encounter that took place on Mexico, it is being reported that members of Familia Michoacana cartel were involved. In addition to the monkey, 11 gang members were dead, several sustained injuries. Seven were arrested.

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A monkey wearing a bullet-proof vest and body armour was found dead after a shootout between police and a drug cartel. It was not fully clear what was the bullet-proof vest clad monkey, even wearing a diaper, was doing at the site of the shootout but police suspect that it belonged to a member of the drug cartel.

A monkey wearing a bullet-proof vest and body armour was found dead after a shootout between police and a drug cartel. It was not fully clear what was the bullet-proof vest clad monkey, even wearing a diaper, was doing at the site of the shootout but police suspect that it belonged to a member of the drug cartel. As reported by the Associated Press, state authorities in Mexico later confirmed news of the shootout and death of the monkey. The shootout took place in Texcaltitlan, a town 63 miles southwest of Mexico City. “A primate was killed at the scene, which was presumably owned by a criminal who was also killed at the scene,” said state prosecutors in a statement. “An autopsy will be carried out on the animal by a veterinarian specialised in the species”, the State of Mexico added. Drug cartels are a major issue in Mexico. Members of these cartels are often well-armed smugglers. These cartels even have political and financial influence. Police in Mexico face huge challenges while trying to control the drugs trade. In the encounter that took place on Mexico, it is being reported that members of Familia Michoacana cartel were involved. In addition to the monkey, 11 gang members were dead, several sustained injuries. Seven were arrested. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mexico: Monkey wearing 'bullet-proof vest' and diaper found dead in drug cartel shootout

A council member of Maldives opposition Party--People's National Congress (PNC) has been arrested in a drug bust in the country on October 12. Around 130 Kgs of drugs were confiscated from a fishing vessel, the Maldives police announced in a release.&nbsp;

The development comes days after 4 Pakistanis were arrested in case of Drug smuggling into the country. While Pakistani media via sources claimed that Pakistan helped in busting the smuggling, the Maldives police commissioner dismissed it saying it was all local intelligence that helped.

Opposition People's National Congress (PNC) is a party which is a split from another opposition party--the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). PPM was the ruling party in the country under former president of Maldives Abdulla Yameen. Both parties share the same office and the same support base.

The parties PPM and PNC, are currently leading the #IndiaOut sentiment in the Maldives. The parties jointly have 8 members in the 87 members’ strong People's Majlis or Maldivian parliament.

A council member of Maldives opposition Party--People's National Congress (PNC) has been arrested in a drug bust in the country on October 12. Around 130 Kgs of drugs were confiscated from a fishing vessel, the Maldives police announced in a release.

A council member of Maldives opposition Party--People's National Congress (PNC) has been arrested in a drug bust in the country on October 12. Around 130 Kgs of drugs were confiscated from a fishing vessel, the Maldives police announced in a release. The development comes days after 4 Pakistanis were arrested in case of Drug smuggling into the country. While Pakistani media via sources claimed that Pakistan helped in busting the smuggling, the Maldives police commissioner dismissed it saying it was all local intelligence that helped. Opposition People's National Congress (PNC) is a party which is a split from another opposition party--the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). PPM was the ruling party in the country under former president of Maldives Abdulla Yameen. Both parties share the same office and the same support base. The parties PPM and PNC, are currently leading the #IndiaOut sentiment in the Maldives. The parties jointly have 8 members in the 87 members’ strong People's Majlis or Maldivian parliament.

Member of Maldives opposition arrested in a drug bust

The Mexican Army and state security forces on Sunday captured Jose Antonio Yepez, a notorious drug gang leader and fuel thief blamed for fanning a surge in violence that has severely tested the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deaths-due-to-virus-in-latin-america-and-caribbean-exceeds-200000-tally-317647" hreflang="en">Deaths due to virus in Latin America and Caribbean exceeds 200,000: Tally</a>

Widely known as "El Marro" (The Mallet), Yepez was captured early on Sunday morning in Guanajuato state, according to the federal government and authorities in the central region, one of the principal flashpoints of gang violence in Mexico.

"This a tremendously successful blow for the government," said Raul Benitez, a security expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Boss of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, a Guanajuato-based gang, Yepez has been engaged in a bloody struggle for criminal control of the state with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country's most powerful and violent groups.

Yepez, 40, is the most high-profile arrest made yet under Lopez Obrador, who pledged to bring down record levels of violence plaguing Mexico when he took office in December 2018.

Instead, homicides have further increased during the Lopez Obrador presidency and last October his government suffered serious embarrassment when it botched the detention of Ovidio Guzman, a son of jailed kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

The Guanajuato attorney general's office said soldiers and state security forces captured Yepez with five other people and rescued a kidnapped local businesswoman during the operation. An "arsenal" of weapons was also secured during the raid.

Mexican news network Milenio broadcast a video of the night-time arrest, which it said took place in the tiny village of Franco Tavera, a few miles north of the municipality of Villagran where the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel was born.

Wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers, and flanked by several soldiers, Yepez gives his full name and age before also identifying himself as "Marro."

Security forces have been gradually closing in on Yepez but he had managed to evade capture thanks to a tight network of informers who allowed him to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, according to analysts and media reports.

&nbsp;

LUCRATIVE TRADE

One of Mexico's most-wanted bosses, El Marro has appeared in expletive-laden videos threatening his enemies, and in June a clip of an emotional Yepez lamenting the arrest of his mother and sister was widely broadcast on national media.

The women, who were suspected of aiding his operations, were later released when judges picked apart the case against them.

Initially notorious for fuel theft in a state crisscrossed by pipelines and home to a major oil refinery, the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel has become increasingly embroiled in battles with the CJNG, based in the neighboring state of Jalisco.

Hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of fuel were being stolen every year before Lopez Obrador cracked down a few weeks after taking office.

Abetted by the complicity of corrupt employees within state-run oil company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the lucrative activity gave the Santa Rosa de Lima outfit outsize financial heft, said security analyst Benitez.

"It's even more money than cocaine," he said.

Lopez Obrador blamed corruption at Pemex for fuel theft and the new management he appointed has vowed to root it out.

Yepez's interrogation could yield rich information on corruption inside Pemex, Benitez said.

His detention also suggested that U.S. and Mexican security services had intensified cooperation to crack down on the trafficking of potent opiate fentanyl, a business of which Yepez was trying to secure a bigger share, he added.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau hailed news of the arrest in Guanajuato in a post on Twitter.

A hub of the carmaking industry, Guanajuato was once one of the safer regions of Mexico. But recent violence there has pushed national homicide tallies to record levels.

Once the government dismantles the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, Benitez said, it can turn up the pressure on the CJNG, which in late June was blamed for a brazen assassination attempt on Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch.

El Marro's adversary, CJNG boss Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, is arguably the most wanted crime boss in Mexico now.

"Now 'El Mencho' is next up," Benitez said.

Security Minister Alfonso Durazo said Yepez would be taken to the Altiplano maximum-security prison where "El Chapo" Guzman was housed before he escaped through a tunnel in 2015.

Guzman was recaptured in 2016, extradited in 2017 and convicted of drug trafficking by a U.S. court in 2019.

The Mexican Army and state security forces on Sunday captured Jose Antonio Yepez, a notorious drug gang leader and fuel thief blamed for fanning a surge in violence that has severely tested the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

The Mexican Army and state security forces on Sunday captured Jose Antonio Yepez, a notorious drug gang leader and fuel thief blamed for fanning a surge in violence that has severely tested the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Also read: Deaths due to virus in Latin America and Caribbean exceeds 200,000: Tally Widely known as "El Marro" (The Mallet), Yepez was captured early on Sunday morning in Guanajuato state, according to the federal government and authorities in the central region, one of the principal flashpoints of gang violence in Mexico. "This a tremendously successful blow for the government," said Raul Benitez, a security expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Boss of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, a Guanajuato-based gang, Yepez has been engaged in a bloody struggle for criminal control of the state with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country's most powerful and violent groups. Yepez, 40, is the most high-profile arrest made yet under Lopez Obrador, who pledged to bring down record levels of violence plaguing Mexico when he took office in December 2018. Instead, homicides have further increased during the Lopez Obrador presidency and last October his government suffered serious embarrassment when it botched the detention of Ovidio Guzman, a son of jailed kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. The Guanajuato attorney general's office said soldiers and state security forces captured Yepez with five other people and rescued a kidnapped local businesswoman during the operation. An "arsenal" of weapons was also secured during the raid. Mexican news network Milenio broadcast a video of the night-time arrest, which it said took place in the tiny village of Franco Tavera, a few miles north of the municipality of Villagran where the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel was born. Wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers, and flanked by several soldiers, Yepez gives his full name and age before also identifying himself as "Marro." Security forces have been gradually closing in on Yepez but he had managed to evade capture thanks to a tight network of informers who allowed him to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, according to analysts and media reports. LUCRATIVE TRADE One of Mexico's most-wanted bosses, El Marro has appeared in expletive-laden videos threatening his enemies, and in June a clip of an emotional Yepez lamenting the arrest of his mother and sister was widely broadcast on national media. The women, who were suspected of aiding his operations, were later released when judges picked apart the case against them. Initially notorious for fuel theft in a state crisscrossed by pipelines and home to a major oil refinery, the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel has become increasingly embroiled in battles with the CJNG, based in the neighboring state of Jalisco. Hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of fuel were being stolen every year before Lopez Obrador cracked down a few weeks after taking office. Abetted by the complicity of corrupt employees within state-run oil company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the lucrative activity gave the Santa Rosa de Lima outfit outsize financial heft, said security analyst Benitez. "It's even more money than cocaine," he said. Lopez Obrador blamed corruption at Pemex for fuel theft and the new management he appointed has vowed to root it out. Yepez's interrogation could yield rich information on corruption inside Pemex, Benitez said. His detention also suggested that U.S. and Mexican security services had intensified cooperation to crack down on the trafficking of potent opiate fentanyl, a business of which Yepez was trying to secure a bigger share, he added. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau hailed news of the arrest in Guanajuato in a post on Twitter. A hub of the carmaking industry, Guanajuato was once one of the safer regions of Mexico. But recent violence there has pushed national homicide tallies to record levels. Once the government dismantles the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, Benitez said, it can turn up the pressure on the CJNG, which in late June was blamed for a brazen assassination attempt on Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch. El Marro's adversary, CJNG boss Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, is arguably the most wanted crime boss in Mexico now. "Now 'El Mencho' is next up," Benitez said. Security Minister Alfonso Durazo said Yepez would be taken to the Altiplano maximum-security prison where "El Chapo" Guzman was housed before he escaped through a tunnel in 2015. Guzman was recaptured in 2016, extradited in 2017 and convicted of drug trafficking by a U.S. court in 2019.

Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence

Mexican-American Mormons bad blood with drug cartels

Gravitas: A look back at the life of drug boss 'El Chapo' Guzman

Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete said Friday there are &quot;warning signs&quot; that drug cartels are trying to influence the country&#39;s upcoming elections.

Mexico will elect a new president, Congress and a host of local and state officials on July 1, a vulnerable moment for a country where multi-billion-dollar drug cartels wield huge power.

&quot;There are warning signs and alarm bells in some regions of the country,&quot; Navarrete said in response to a journalist&#39;s question about reports of candidates coming under pressure from organized crime.

He mentioned the town of Chilapa, in the violent southern state of Guerrero, where two candidates for a seat in the state legislature were murdered last month.

&quot;There have been reckless attempts to pressure candidates... to align themselves with a particular criminal group,&quot; Navarrete said.

&quot;We&#39;re not going to let this happen.&quot;

Two of the leading presidential candidates, conservative Ricardo Anaya of the National Action Party (PAN) and Jose Antonio Meade of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), have warned of possible attempts by drug cartels to influence the elections.

The front-runner, veteran leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has however said he sees no signs of interference by organized crime.

Lopez Obrador has proposed an amnesty for drug crimes as a way to stop the violence racking Mexico, widely blamed on drug cartels -- though he has waffled on whether the controversial proposal referred only to minor offenders or hitmen and kingpins as well.

Mexico is a dangerous place to be a local politician.

According to the National Mayors&#39; Association, more than 100 mayors, ex-mayors or mayors-elect have been murdered by criminal gangs since 2006, the year the government declared war on drug cartels.

Candidates are often in the line of fire as well.

The latest killing came Friday, when a mayoral candidate in the central state of Puebla named Gustavo Martin Gomez Alvarez was shot 11 times by gunmen in the town of Francisco Z. Mena.

The shooting happened hours after the secretary general of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, warned that political violence has reached &quot;absolutely unacceptable&quot; levels in Mexico ahead of the July polls.

Mexico will elect a new president, Congress and a host of local and state officials on July 1, a vulnerable moment for a country where multi-billion-dollar drug cartels wield huge power

Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete said Friday there are "warning signs" that drug cartels are trying to influence the country's upcoming elections. Mexico will elect a new president, Congress and a host of local and state officials on July 1, a vulnerable moment for a country where multi-billion-dollar drug cartels wield huge power. "There are warning signs and alarm bells in some regions of the country," Navarrete said in response to a journalist's question about reports of candidates coming under pressure from organized crime. He mentioned the town of Chilapa, in the violent southern state of Guerrero, where two candidates for a seat in the state legislature were murdered last month. "There have been reckless attempts to pressure candidates... to align themselves with a particular criminal group," Navarrete said. "We're not going to let this happen." Two of the leading presidential candidates, conservative Ricardo Anaya of the National Action Party (PAN) and Jose Antonio Meade of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), have warned of possible attempts by drug cartels to influence the elections. The front-runner, veteran leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has however said he sees no signs of interference by organized crime. Lopez Obrador has proposed an amnesty for drug crimes as a way to stop the violence racking Mexico, widely blamed on drug cartels -- though he has waffled on whether the controversial proposal referred only to minor offenders or hitmen and kingpins as well. Mexico is a dangerous place to be a local politician. According to the National Mayors' Association, more than 100 mayors, ex-mayors or mayors-elect have been murdered by criminal gangs since 2006, the year the government declared war on drug cartels. Candidates are often in the line of fire as well. The latest killing came Friday, when a mayoral candidate in the central state of Puebla named Gustavo Martin Gomez Alvarez was shot 11 times by gunmen in the town of Francisco Z. Mena. The shooting happened hours after the secretary general of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro, warned that political violence has reached "absolutely unacceptable" levels in Mexico ahead of the July polls.

Mexico warns of drug cartel interference in vote

Seventeen Colombian soldiers died when their Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter crashed in a central mountainous area of the Andean country, the army announced on Monday. 
 
According to officials, the accident in the Caldas province, some 180 km from the Bogota capital, occurred on June 26 when the helicopter was travelling from the jungle province of Choco to the Tolemaida military base. 
 
Search and rescue teams were deployed on foot in lush jungle to find the site of the crash but no survivors were found. 
 
&quot;I pass on the sad news that our men have been found dead in the site of the accident. Firstly, I want to heartfully express my condolences, to embrace the families of those four officials, seven deputy officials and seven soldiers who were lost in this tragedy,&quot; said Colombian army commander, General Alberto Jose Meja. 
 
Officials have blamed bad weather rather than foul play for the tragedy but a full investigation is underway for answers into the crash. 
 
President Juan Manuel Santos passed on his condolences to family members of the fallen soldiers. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re waiting for the result of the investigation to see what really happened. It&#39;s a sad event, a sad episode and our hearts are with the families of these fallen heroes who died doing their job,&quot; he said at military barracks. 
 
Military fatalities are not uncommon in Colombia with many soldiers operating in dense jungle regions against strong drug cartels. 
 
German Martinez lost a member of his family in the helicopter crash. He told media that Colombian soldiers put the lives of citizens before their own in the line of duty. 
 
&quot;When they (soldiers) take on this role one does not always thinking about receiving news like this. They look after the lives of all citizens, attentive to what they must do and they put their lives at risk for us,&quot; said Martinez. 
 
The last major helicopter crash happened in Colombia took place in August, when 16 police officers died after a mechanical failure caused their US-made UH-60 Black Hawk to crash during an anti-drug operation in Colombia&#39;s northeast. 
 
(Reuters)

Search and rescue teams found no survivors in the jungle province of Choco where the chopper went down

Seventeen Colombian soldiers died when their Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter crashed in a central mountainous area of the Andean country, the army announced on Monday. According to officials, the accident in the Caldas province, some 180 km from the Bogota capital, occurred on June 26 when the helicopter was travelling from the jungle province of Choco to the Tolemaida military base. Search and rescue teams were deployed on foot in lush jungle to find the site of the crash but no survivors were found. "I pass on the sad news that our men have been found dead in the site of the accident. Firstly, I want to heartfully express my condolences, to embrace the families of those four officials, seven deputy officials and seven soldiers who were lost in this tragedy," said Colombian army commander, General Alberto Jose Meja. Officials have blamed bad weather rather than foul play for the tragedy but a full investigation is underway for answers into the crash. President Juan Manuel Santos passed on his condolences to family members of the fallen soldiers. "We're waiting for the result of the investigation to see what really happened. It's a sad event, a sad episode and our hearts are with the families of these fallen heroes who died doing their job," he said at military barracks. Military fatalities are not uncommon in Colombia with many soldiers operating in dense jungle regions against strong drug cartels. German Martinez lost a member of his family in the helicopter crash. He told media that Colombian soldiers put the lives of citizens before their own in the line of duty. "When they (soldiers) take on this role one does not always thinking about receiving news like this. They look after the lives of all citizens, attentive to what they must do and they put their lives at risk for us," said Martinez. The last major helicopter crash happened in Colombia took place in August, when 16 police officers died after a mechanical failure caused their US-made UH-60 Black Hawk to crash during an anti-drug operation in Colombia's northeast. (Reuters)

Helicopter crash kills 17 Colombian soldiers

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