Vigilantes Stand Up to Cartel in Mexico

In the Mexican state of Michoacan vigilantes have joined forces with the army and security forces attempting to put an end to the control of the Knights of Templar drug cartel. The cartel controls the inflow of money in the area as well as conducting numerous kidnappings and murders. Over the past 6 years over 70,000 people have died throughout Mexico due to drug related crimes. More recently in a town within the state of Michoacan 20 bodies were uncovered and they are believed to be linked with crimes committed by the Knights of Templar. The vigilantes working with the army and security team have been searching the area house by house trying to capture the leaders of the cartel. So far some arrests have been made including the arrest of one of the leader’s brothers. However, the Knights are not taking this lightly. They have taken action against those trying to bring them down with arson attacks against local businesses. The Knights are claiming that these vigilantes are working for their rival cartel The New Generation, but they have denied involvement. They insist that they are taking matters into their own hands because the Mexican government has not done enough to protect them and their families. I have included an image that shows where the violence is taking place.