Background on the Incident
On Tuesday, a group of armed men attacked Mexican military forces near the border of Michoacán and Jalisco, resulting in the tragic deaths of six soldiers. The Mexican army has since announced the detention of at least 17 individuals suspected of involvement in this heinous act.
Location and Arrests
The arrests took place in a residence in Villa de Oriente, Los Reyes municipality. The suspects, accused of triggering an explosive device that targeted the military convoy, have been transferred to the Fiscalía offices in Morelia for further investigation.
Colombian Connection and Injuries
According to the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena), 12 of the detained individuals are from Colombia. All suspects will be investigated for their alleged use of explosive devices, which also left two individuals with severe injuries.
Victims and Units Involved
Among the deceased were members of the Fuerza Especial de Reacción e Intervención (FERI) and the Grupo de Respuesta a Emergencias (GRE). This attack has left a significant impact on both the military and the communities they protect.
Potential Cartel Links
Preliminary investigations suggest that the detained suspects may be connected to a regional cartel, potentially led by Alfonso Fernández Magallón, known as ‘Poncho La Quiringüa,’ and Enrique Barragán Chávez, referred to as ‘El Güicho.’ These connections highlight the complex nature of drug trafficking organizations and their influence in Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was involved in the attack? At least 17 suspects have been detained, including 12 from Colombia, in connection with the fatal ambush on Mexican military forces.
- Where did the incident take place? The attack occurred near the border of Michoacán and Jalisco, where armed men targeted a military convoy.
- Who were the victims? Six Mexican soldiers lost their lives, including members of the FERI and GRE units.
- Were there any injuries? Yes, two individuals suffered severe injuries as a result of the explosive device detonation.
- Are there cartel connections? Investigators suspect links to a regional cartel, possibly led by ‘Poncho La Quiringüa’ and ‘El Güicho,’ though further investigation is required to confirm these connections.
