14 Dead in Clash Between Villagers and Familia Michoacana Cartel in Mexico

Villagers in Texcaltitlan took up arms against the cartel in response to extortion demands, resulting in the death of ten cartel members, including their leader, and four villagers.

14 people were killed in a clash between villagers and the Familia Michoacana cartel in the town of Texcaltitlan, Mexico. The villagers took up arms in response to the cartel's extortion demands.
Among the dead were ten suspected cartel members, including the regional leader Rigoberto 'El Payaso' de la Sancha Santillan, and four villagers.
Villagers used machetes, sticks, and knives in the clash and set fire to the cartel's vehicles and some of the bodies after the fight.
The incident has sparked political debates in Mexico, with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador attributing the violence to drug consumption and past government neglect of the youth, while others criticize his security approach.
The Familia Michoacana cartel has been dominant in the area for many years and is known for its aggressive attacks against law enforcement and civilians.