Mexico Draws Line on Vigilantes Fighting Drug Cartels in Western Michoacan State Mark Stevenson - Associated Press
go to original March 17, 2014

MEXICO CITY - Mexican authorities have finally served notice to vigilantes fighting a drug cartel in western Michoacan state that their illegal tactics will no longer be tolerated, starting with a string of arrests last week.

The change comes after months in which government troops and federal police tolerated thousands of assault rifle-wielding civilians breaking down doors, settling up roadblocks and taking over towns to oust the vicious Knights Templar cartel.

Civilians aren't permitted to carry such weapons in Mexico, but police and soldiers have even carried out joint raids with the "self-defense" forces, who were initially well received by local residents tired of the Knights Templars' extortion, kidnapping and murder.

"We are putting up the 'stop' sign" to the vigilantes, a federal official who was not authorized to be quoted by name said Friday on condition of anonymity. "We are reaching a turning point, a point of change.

Read the rest at ABC News

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