Clashes between the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and Carteles Unidos erupted over the weekend in different areas of Tepalcatepec, Michoacán. The attacks were reported in La Bocanda and Voladeros on Saturday and again in La Bocanda, Voladeros and La Estanzuela on Sunday. According to preliminary local reports, three hitmen were reportedly killed.

The National Guard (GN) deployed land and air operations, supported by the Mexican Army and the Michoacán Police. Video footage released by members of the military shows forces with the Secretary of National Defense (Sedena) and the Jalisco Attorney General Office shielding for cover as presumed CJNG hitmen fire nearby. Shortly after, a Black Hawk helicopter arrives to provide support to the forces.

Hours later, authorities reported securing two makeshift armored vehicles. In a separate video, alleged members of the Carteles Unidos are seen celebrating their capture of a dead CJNG hitman and their seizure of a ‘monster’ armored vehicle. DEMOLER edited the video to omit the graphic content.

Los Carteles Unidos is an alliance of cells from various cartels united in confronting the advance of the CJNG. It is allegedly made up of hitmen from Los Viagras, the Cartel del Golfo (CDG), Los Zetas, Cartel de Sinaloa (CDS), and some from the Cartel Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL). The cartel is lead by Juan José Farias Álvarez, known as “El Abuelo.” In 2019, the CJNG declared war against Farías Álvarez.

The CJNG has been vying for control of areas of Michoacán since August 2019 – the home state of Nemesio Oseguera ‘El Mencho,’ leader of the CJNG. In recent months, residents in Coalcomán and Tepalcatepec cut access to roads and dug trenches to impede the advance of the CJNG. The residents, some of whom are part of self-defense groups, reported that over 200 residents have abandoned their homes in fear of the violence. Some members of the self-defense groups are also accused of belonging to Los Carteles Unidos.

State intelligence reports have named “El Negrito” as head of the CJNG “Delta Group” in Michoacan and Miguel Fernandez, alias “El M2” as the lieutenant in Aguililla.