La Familia Threatens Guerrilla Warfare
2010-12-18
Posted by: badanov
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by Chris Covert
The Mexican drug cartel based in Michoacan state known as La Familia is threatening to turn its battle with Mexican security forces into a guerrilla war complete with firefights and roadblocks, according to Mexican news sources.
A deliberate operation by Policia Federal last week resulted in the death of one of its leaders, Nazario Moreno Gonzalez, alias El Chayo, and has since become a rallying issue with those sympathetic with the cartel.
However, a statement released by Mexico's internal security apparatus, Secretaria de Gobernacion (Segob), said Friday security forces have La Familia "weakened", surrounded, and that federal forces will withdraw from Michacan only when crimes rates go down.
Last week's Policia Federal operation lasted for more than 24 hours and killed five Mexican Federal agents, as well as caused large amount of damaged heavy and personal vehicles destroyed by fire from roadblocks set up by fighters employed by La Familia in Apatzingan to Uruapan as well as Morelia, the capital of Michoacan.
The December 8th operation is unprecedented in its length and scope for Policia Federal operations which typically last only a few hours, as well as far more bloody for security forces involved. The distances involved encompassed an area of roughly 5,000 square kilometers, mainly constricted to the road system.
The La Familia statement released gave December 24th as a deadline for security forces to withdraw before the war begins. The statement was signed by Jesus Mendez Vargas, alias El Chango, Nazario Moreno Gonzalez, alias El Chayo and Servando Gómez , alias La Tuta.
The statement warns individuals starting December 24th to remain indoors beginning 2130 hrs and to avoid going to certain restaurants and clubs.
"We do not know the time we can attack ... Our organization is conducting night raids on establishments and on public streets..."
The statement warns Michoacans to complete travel plans before December 24, and the warning extends to neighboring states Colima, Jalisco, Queretaro, State Mexico, Guanajuato and Guerrero.
The clubs La Familia warns against in Morelia include The Grand Hotel, Emporio, Skye Club, Xo Club, Varsha, Exceso, Tucan, Manhatan, Continental, Mirage and Petacas.
Bars warned against include Antartico, Peña Bola Suriana, El Bazar, El Sotano, Angelus, La Porfiriana, Strauus Pool Bar, La Taberna, Sanyago and Emporio.
Cafes on the no go list include El Callejon, El Rincon de los Sentidos, Cafe Europa, Cafe El Conservatorio and Don Quijote.