Drug gang attacks ‘force hundreds of Indigenous families to flee’ in Mexico
Violence in Guerrero state has driven as many as 1,000 households from their homes, rights group says
TL;DR
- Hundreds of Indigenous families have fled their homes in Guerrero state, Mexico, due to escalating attacks by the criminal group Los Ardillos.
- Attacks include drone bombings, intense gunfire, and arson, forcing an estimated 800 to 1,000 families to leave their villages.
- The violence has caused anguish and terror among the displaced population, with at least four deaths reported.
- Los Ardillos are reportedly targeting community police forces and attempting to force villagers to grow opium poppies.
- Indigenous rights groups accuse local government officials of being complicit with the criminal groups.
- The Mexican president has stated that the national guard is deployed to the area, and aid will be provided to displaced families.
- The Guerrero state government reported a lower number of displaced people and stated that federal and state forces are conducting security operations.