In recent events in Michoacan, Mexico, the traditional and Indigenous community police forces have faced deadly attacks from drug cartels. The chief prosecutor of Michoacan confirmed that seven members of the community police force in Coahuayana were shot to death by gunmen linked to drug cartels over the weekend.
These incidents come shortly after seven members of an Indigenous community police force were kidnapped by cartel gunmen in another Michoacan town and subjected to harrowing experiences before being freed.
Community police forces, often comprised of untrained volunteers or individuals receiving a small stipend, have emerged in response to cartel violence that has plagued Mexican countryside towns. These forces, particularly prevalent in Indigenous communities with a history of self-organization, aim to protect residents.
However, despite the trust they enjoy from their communities, the community guards lack the firepower to match the cartels vying for control of the land. The recent attack in Coahuayana was attributed to drug cartels seeking dominance over the coastal area, a key route for seaborne cocaine shipments.
The region's appeal to cartels lies in its strategic location for drug trafficking, with go-fast boats transporting cocaine from South America often using the area to drop off illicit cargo.
Suspicions have pointed towards the Jalisco New Generation cartel as the perpetrators of these violent acts, given their historical presence in the region. The cartel is also believed to be behind the kidnapping of seven community guards in Tangamandapio, Michoacan.
Despite the challenges posed by cartel violence, Indigenous communities like the Purepecha have demonstrated resilience and unity in the face of adversity. The recent rescue of the kidnapped guards was attributed to the strength of the community and the collective efforts in the search operation.
While some remain optimistic about the ability of Indigenous communities to resist cartel influence, the escalating violence in regions like Chiapas raises concerns about the extent of cartel control and its impact on local populations.
As drug cartels continue to assert their dominance in various parts of Mexico, the safety and security of community police forces and residents remain a pressing issue that authorities are grappling with.
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