The Mexican Drug War

The New York Times reported on the deteriorating conditions in the state, with government officials promising to seize back control from the cartel on Monday (January 13). However, citizens who have taken up arms have been warring in the open with the drug gangs in the western Mexican state.

The Mexican Drug War has been raging for years and despite military intervention to quell the violence sparked by the drug cartels, the battles have torn many regions apart. Now, government officials in Mexico have to also contend with civilian vigilantes known as “self-defense” groups who have declared war on the violent Knights Templar cartel in the state of Michoacán.

The turmoil in Michoacán — where vigilantes have been battling cartel gunmen on village streets — poses one of the biggest security challenges for President Enrique Peña Nieto, whose focus since taking office a little over a year ago has been on the economy.